NNPCL contract probe: N/Delta group kicks, cautions media, others

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The Niger Delta Women for Change (NDWC) has urged the public and the media to exercise caution in spreading unverified information on the alleged bias contract awards by Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan.

Eyesan is the Executive Vice President of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Upstream.

Addressing newsmen at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents Chapel, the group urged the public and the media to wait for the outcome of the investigation.

The group, led by its Secretary and Public Relations Officer, Mrs Oritsemisa Juliet and Soplicer Tamenalafefe respectively, described the allegation as “baseless and unfounded”.

Juliet who read a statement of the group, expressed confidence that the truth would prevail at the end of the investigation.

According to the group, Eyesan had consistently demonstrated her commitment to ethical practices, promoting a level playing field for all stakeholders involved in the procurement process.

“In response to recent allegations against Mrs Eyesan, regarding biassed contract awards, we would like to clarify and debunk these claims.

“Eyesan has been a dedicated professional, committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and fairness in her role.

“The allegations of biassed contract awards are baseless and lack substantial evidence.

“NNPCL adheres to a strict and transparent procurement process, ensuring that contracts are awarded based on merit, competitiveness, and compliance with all relevant regulations.

“It is important to note that these accusations do not align with Eyesan’s track record of professionalism and ethical conduct throughout her tenure.

“As the NNPCL remains committed to fostering an environment of transparency and accountability,” they said.

The group recalls that prior to her assumption as the new Executive Vice President of NNPCL, Eyesan had served as Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer from November 2022.

According to them, in that capacity, she spearheaded commercial negotiations and supervised the Joint Entitlement Models for overseeing the renewed Production Sharing Contracts in Oil Mining Leases 133, 138, 125, 132, 128, and 132.

They, however, urged the public and the media to await the outcome of the official investigations into the allegations.