AGF rejects Atiku’s criticism over OPL 245 dispute resolution
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has dismissed claims by the Atiku Abubakar Media Office regarding the settlement of disputes tied to OPL 245. Fagbemi described the criticisms as misrepresentations of a significant achievement for the current administration. Atiku Abubakar argued that the dispute is still ongoing, with unresolved legal cases and concerns over transparency. The controversy centers on whether the government’s resolution of the OPL 245 matter is conclusive and legitimate.
What we know
- Lateef Fagbemi rejected the claims from the Atiku Abubakar Media Office, calling them self-serving and misleading.
- Atiku Abubakar maintained that the OPL 245 dispute is still active, with cases pending before the Supreme Court and Federal High Court.
- The oil block was awarded to Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd in April 1998, revoked in 2001, and reallocated to Shell Nigeria Ultra-Deep Limited in 2002.
- A 2011 Resolution Agreement required Malabu to relinquish claims in exchange for consideration and the conversion of OPL 245 into an Oil Mining Lease.
- Fagbemi cited a 2025 Court of Appeal ruling dismissing Malabu’s challenge as statute-barred and accused critics of pursuing self-serving interests.
