Published: October 1, 2025
MONROVIA — A Liberian advocacy group is calling on the government to suspend a controversial oil deal with Nigerian billionaire Prince Arthur Eze’s companies, warning that the agreement poses risks to transparency, accountability, and the environment.
The Environmental Eyes Consultancy and Advocacy Firm Inc. (EECAF) on Monday called on President Joseph Nyumah Boakai and the Legislature to reject four offshore petroleum contracts signed with Atlas Petroleum International Ltd. and Oranto Petroleum Ltd.
The agreements, announced September 24 by the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (LPRA), cover Blocks LB-15, LB-16, LB-22, and LB-24 in the Liberian Basin and include a $15 million signature bonus. EECAF, however, argued that the companies’ track record across Africa should disqualify them from operating in Liberia. “Atlas-Oranto has amassed licenses across the continent but has consistently failed to deliver results,” the group said in a statement, citing stalled projects in Uganda, South Sudan, and Equatorial Guinea.
The group continued that: “Liberia, still recovering from decades of mismanaged extractive ventures, cannot afford to entrust its oil wealth to an operator without proven technical and financial capacity.”
Transparency and governance concerns
The group said Eze and his affiliates operate with secrecy, pointing to the absence of disclosed ownership structures, audited financial reports, or governance standards. EECAF warned that awarding licenses under such conditions would undermine Liberia’s commitments to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and fuel public distrust.
“Evidence suggests Atlas-Oranto’s business strategy centers on acquiring exploration blocks, holding them without investment, and flipping them later for profit,” the group alleged.
Environmental risks raised
Liberia’s fragile coastal ecosystems could also be jeopardized, EECAF cautioned. The group argued that Atlas-Oranto lacks operational experience in deep-water drilling and high-risk environments, leaving the nation vulnerable to ecological harm. “Liberia’s coastlines and offshore environments are ecologically sensitive and vulnerable to oil-related damage,” EECAF said, alleging, “Atlas-Oranto’s lack of operational experience in such areas leaves the nation exposed to risks it cannot afford.”
Political influence flagged
The group further noted Eze’s profile as a prominent political financier in Nigeria, warning that his involvement could open the door to lobbying pressure and regulatory capture in Liberia’s petroleum sector. “Liberia must maintain an independent, transparent, and non-politicized process for allocating its national resources,” EECAF said.
Call for government action
EECAF urged President Boakai to halt the deal, the LPRA to strengthen due diligence procedures, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to oppose contracts with companies lacking credible environmental compliance records. “We call on civil society, the media, and the public to remain vigilant,” the statement read. “Liberia’s oil resources must be managed in ways that protect our environment and uphold accountability for the benefit of future generations.”
The contracts will require legislative ratification and the president’s signature before taking effect, something many look forward to seeing both the Legislature and the President handle with care.
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