Atiku Abubakar Critiques Government on OPL 245 Dispute

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the Nigerian government's assertions regarding the resolution of the OPL 245 dispute, describing them as misleading and premature. His remarks follow the emergence of new legal challenges involving Malabu Oil and Gas, with a pre-action notice filed by Chief R.O.

Atabo, SAN, contradicting the government's earlier claims made by Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi that the matter was settled. Abubakar expressed concern over the lack of consultation with principal stakeholders in the oil block during the purported resolution process, questioning the legal transparency of the agreements reportedly executed at the Presidential Villa.

He accused the government of sidelining critical stakeholders and disregarding ongoing judicial processes, which he deemed reckless. Additionally, he raised alarms about the broader implications for Nigeria's oil and gas sector, including a reported plan to sell 30 percent of joint venture assets by NNPC, warning against opaque transactions that could harm the country's revenue base.