ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Nigeria Progressive Movement has scheduled October 30, 2026, for a protest against the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, over allegations and questions surrounding the 2025 oil licensing round.
The National President of the movement, Mr. James Collins, disclosed this following an emergency meeting convened by the group’s leadership in Abuja on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
According to Collins, the decision to embark on the protest followed the group’s earlier call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the alleged irregularities surrounding the oil block awards.
He said the group had yet to receive a satisfactory update from the two anti-corruption agencies, prompting its leadership to convene an emergency meeting to determine the next line of action.
Protest to Begin at National Assembly
Collins explained that members of the movement unanimously agreed during Sunday’s meeting to stage a protest on October 30, beginning at the National Assembly before proceeding to the headquarters of the EFCC and ICPC.
He said the protest was intended to draw national attention to the concerns raised over the oil block licensing process and press for an independent investigation by the relevant authorities.
According to him, the group would continue to demand transparency, accountability and due process in the management and allocation of Nigeria’s petroleum resources.
State Chapters Directed to Mobilise Members
The Nigeria Progressive Movement president further disclosed that the group’s leadership had directed all its organs and state chapters across the country to mobilise their members and converge on Abuja for the planned protest.
He said the mobilisation directive was part of the group’s efforts to ensure broad participation in the demonstration and sustain pressure on the relevant institutions to address the concerns surrounding the licensing exercise.
Collins maintained that the movement would pursue its demands through peaceful and lawful means.
EFCC, ICPC, Police Formally Notified
The movement’s president also revealed that the organisation had formally written to the EFCC, ICPC and the Inspector-General of Police to notify them of the planned protest and explain the issues prompting the action.
He added that the letters would be dispatched on Monday, October 19, 2026.
According to Collins, the correspondence would officially communicate the group’s grievances, the purpose of the protest and its planned route, which includes the National Assembly and the headquarters of the two anti-corruption agencies.
Background to the Controversy
The planned demonstration follows earlier calls by the Nigeria Progressive Movement for an investigation into the 2025 oil licensing round, following questions raised about the corporate identities, incorporation dates, ownership structures and eligibility of some companies announced as successful bidders.
An earlier investigation published by TrackNews Online identified companies whose incorporation timelines and corporate details, according to the report, warranted further clarification from the regulatory authorities.
The movement subsequently called on the EFCC and ICPC to investigate the licensing process and determine whether there was evidence of favouritism, improper influence or other violations.
However, the reported discrepancies do not, by themselves, establish that the oil block awards were unlawful or that any particular official committed wrongdoing.
The planned protest represents an escalation of the group’s campaign for an independent review of the licensing process.
As October 30 approaches, attention will be on the response of the EFCC, ICPC, NUPRC and other relevant authorities to the group’s demands.
TrackNews Online will continue to monitor developments surrounding the planned protest and any official response from the agencies concerned.
