A Liberian watchdog group, Liberia Early Warning Watch (LEW WATCH), is raising concerns over the potential award of offshore oil blocks to companies linked to Nigerian billionaire Arthur Eze, citing weak due diligence and lack of transparency.
The group alleges that the Liberian government is preparing to sign new production sharing contracts with five firms, including Atlas Oranto Petroleum Liberia Limited, linked to Eze’s Oranto Petroleum, without adequate public disclosure.
LEW WATCH points to a dispute in Senegal, where authorities revoked offshore licenses tied to Oranto in 2025, citing unmet obligations.
The group warns that awarding rights to companies with questionable track records could turn blocks into speculative assets rather than active projects.
The Liberian government has pledged transparency in its efforts to revive the offshore oil sector, which has been dormant for decades.
However, LEW WATCH is urging competitive bidding, contract publication, and engagement with international transparency partners and local civic groups.
