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By Godswill Michael
The Media Office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the federal government over what it described as misleading claims regarding the resolution of the long-running OPL 245 oil block dispute, insisting that the matter remains far from settled.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, the media office of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said recent legal developments, including a pre-action notice by Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, have exposed what it termed “premature and misleading” pronouncements by the Federal Government.
The statement specifically faulted the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, for allegedly presenting a “final resolution” of the dispute, noting that multiple cases concerning OPL 245 are still pending before the courts, including the Supreme Court and the Federal High Court.
According to the Office, the pre-action notice issued by Malabu Oil and Gas Limited through its counsel challenges the Federal Government’s narrative and underscores that key stakeholders were excluded from any purported settlement process.
“It is now clear that the matter is far from resolved and remains the subject of multiple subsisting legal proceedings,” the statement said, adding that sidelining a principal stakeholder such as Malabu raises “serious questions about the legality, transparency, and integrity” of any claimed agreement.
The office argued that the development reflects a broader pattern of governance under the Tinubu administration, which it accused of prioritising political optics over due process and institutional accountability.
The OPL 245 oil block, one of Nigeria’s most lucrative offshore assets, has been at the centre of legal and international controversies for over two decades.
Originally awarded to Malabu Oil and Gas Limited in 1998, the block became the subject of protracted disputes involving the Nigerian government, multinational oil companies, and competing legal claims.
The controversy gained global attention following a 2011 deal in which oil giants Shell and Eni paid over $1 billion for rights to the block, funds that were later alleged to have been improperly distributed. The transaction triggered investigations and court cases in multiple jurisdictions, including Italy and the United Kingdom, although some of the international cases have since been resolved in favour of the companies.
Despite these developments, litigation within Nigeria has persisted, with Malabu maintaining claims to the asset and challenging subsequent agreements involving the Federal Government.
Concerns Over Transparency and Process
The Atiku Media Office expressed concern that any declaration of resolution without the involvement of all critical parties and without judicial conclusion undermines due process and public trust.
It warned that presenting disputed agreements as final settlements could create legal uncertainties and expose the country to further litigation risks, particularly in a sector as strategic as oil and gas.
The statement also linked the OPL 245 controversy to wider concerns about transparency in the management of Nigeria’s oil assets, calling on stakeholders, including industry unions, to remain vigilant.
“The Nigerian people deserve a transparent and accountable process in the management of national resources,” the statement added.