CSOs urged to adopt evidence-based approach in holding govt institutions accountable
Civil society organizations, CSOs, in Nigeria have been urged to adopt an evidence-based approach in holding public institutions and officials accountable. This followed calls for a change in the leaderships of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC. Questions have been raised over NNPCL’s energy security expenditure,…
Nigerian civil society organizations have been urged to employ an evidence-based approach to hold government institutions accountable, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Dr Olayemi Isaac, Executive Director of the Good Governance Index, emphasized that unsubstantiated allegations should not be the basis for calls demanding the removal of NNPCL's Group Managing Director, Bayo Ojulari, and NUPRC boss, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan.
Isaac stressed the need for stronger oversight, better disclosure, and continuous institutional accountability. He advised that where concerns exist, the evidence should be examined, and appropriate institutions should carry out their duties. Criticism should not be mistaken for accountability or accusations for proof. The Freedom of Information Act offers a legitimate means for CSOs to obtain information and seek clarification from public institutions.
Isaac highlighted the NUPRC's licensing round as a testament to Nigeria's potential to foster a competitive investment environment through transparent allocation of petroleum assets. The round attracted 143 companies submitting bids for 37 of the 50 blocks, spread across various basins in Nigeria. This process demonstrated that petroleum resources could be managed in a competitive, predictable, and open manner.
Furthermore, Isaac noted that NUPRC's insistence on financial commitments from successful bidders would ensure they meet their obligations and fulfill investment, exploration, and production commitments. Regarding the alleged N7.13 trillion energy security expenditure by NNPCL, Isaac urged CSOs to base their scrutiny on the company's audited accounts and the legal framework governing such expenditures. The focus should be on documenting facts and interpreting them accurately rather than drawing conclusions from headlines.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Post Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
