In a move stirring controversy across Nigeria’s energy and legal circles, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly bowed to pressure from French President Emmanuel Macron, approving the final handover of two lucrative offshore oil blocks to French energy giant TotalEnergies. But the celebration may be short-lived as Nigerian firm Zebbra Energy, the original license holder, is preparing to file a high-stakes appeal that could derail the deal, according to multiple sources who briefed Huhuonline.com, on conditions of anonymity.
On September 1, 2025, TotalEnergies and its Nigerian partner, South Atlantic Petroleum (Sapetro), signed a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for oil blocks PPL 2000 and PPL 2001, part of Nigeria’s recent licensing round. The deal was presented as a vote of confidence in Nigeria’s reformed petroleum sector under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Shortly after signing the deal, President Tinubu jettisoned to France to meet, and celebrate with his French counterpart, President Emmanuel Macron, during a working private lunch at the Elysee Palace, Paris on Wednesday
Aso Rock sources confirmed to Huhuonline.com that President Tinubu, who also holds the portfolio of Minister of Petroleum Resources, was reportedly instrumental in fast-tracking the agreement amid diplomatic pressure from France. Sources within the presidency indicate Macron raised the deal directly with Tinubu during bilateral discussions, citing strategic energy cooperation between both nations.
Critics say Tinubu’s decision to fast-track the PSC under French pressure may undermine the very stability the Petroleum Industry Act was meant to restore. “What message are we sending to investors? That deals in Nigeria are made in Paris, not Abuja?” asked a former senior NNPC official. However, the celebration in Abuja and Paris is now clouded by legal thunderclouds from Lagos.
Zebbra Energy’s Legal Ambush – A 25-Year Legal Quagmire
Zebbra Energy, the Nigerian independent oil firm originally granted the block as OPL 248 in 1999 under General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s administration, is preparing an appeal against the June 2025 court ruling that dismissed its claim to the block. The company accuses the Nigerian government of “irregular revocation” and has until September 28, 2025, to formally file an appeal.
The company’s founder, Dr. Ambrosie Bryant Chukwueloka (ABC) Orjiako, argues that the government failed to follow due process when it revoked Zebbra’s license in 2024 over unpaid fees; a situation he says was created by two decades of legal paralysis and administrative delays. “This is not just about one oil block; it’s about upholding the rule of law in Nigeria’s energy sector,” said a senior member of Zebbra’s legal team, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The dispute dates back to 1999, when Zebbra received the license under OPL 248. In 2002, Nigeria’s Supreme Court ruled in Zebbra’s favor after the license was revoked under President Olusegun Obasanjo. But despite the ruling, the block remained undeveloped due to bureaucratic red tape and repeated administrative changes.
In 2024, Zebbra’s license was revoked again – this time for non-payment of a $5 million extension fee. The block was promptly re-auctioned during the 2024 exploration round, leading to TotalEnergies’ successful bid. Crucially, TotalEnergies had prior technical partnerships with Zebbra on the block – from 2009–2012 and again briefly in 2019 – meaning the French oil major was fully aware of the block’s complicated legal history.
TotalEnergies Pushes Ahead
Despite the legal risks, TotalEnergies, led in Nigeria by Matthieu Bouyer, pushed forward with the PSC. According to sources, the company is also quietly pursuing an out-of-court settlement with Zebbra to resolve the dispute and avoid years of potential litigation. However, energy analysts warn that the appeal, if filed and accepted, could invalidate the PSC, forcing a halt to exploration activities and throwing billions of dollars in future investment into limbo. “This appeal is a ticking time bomb. Even if it’s unsuccessful, the shadow of litigation alone is enough to delay timelines, increase project risk, and scare off other investors,” said a Lagos-based oil and gas lawyer.
Implications for Nigeria
If Zebbra wins the appeal, the consequences could be dire:
Investor confidence shaken: A successful challenge would signal that even government-awarded contracts under the PIA are vulnerable to reversal, deterring foreign direct investment (FDI).
Revenue at risk: Exploration delays could impact government earnings from royalties and taxes, worsening Nigeria’s fiscal outlook.
Precedent of instability: Other companies with historical grievances could be emboldened to sue, clogging courts and stalling projects.
Who’s Who in the Oil Block Drama
Zebbra Energy: Founder: Dr. ABC Orjiako
Claim: Original license holder; challenging revocation.
TotalEnergies: MD, Nigeria: Matthieu Bouyer
Role: Lead operator of the new PSC.
Sapetro: Founder: Gen. TY Danjuma (retired)
Role: Nigerian partner in the TotalEnergies deal.
NUPRC: CEO: Engr. Gbenga Komolafe
Role: Regulator that revoked Zebbra’s license and supervised the new deal.
NNPC Ltd.: Representative: Bashir Bayo Ojulari
Role: State-owned partner in the PSC.
President Tinubu: Position: President and Minister of Petroleum
Role: Political authority behind the final sign-off.
President Emmanuel Macron:
Role: Reportedly lobbied Tinubu to ensure French corporate interests were protected.
What Happens Next?
Zebbra’s legal team has confirmed they are finalizing the documentation to appeal before the September 28 deadline. If accepted, the appeal could head to the Nigerian Supreme Court, triggering another drawn-out battle. TotalEnergies and NUPRC are reportedly considering contingency plans; including potential financial compensation or joint development agreements, to preempt a full court blockade. Meanwhile, in global boardrooms and diplomatic halls, Nigeria’s legal credibility is being weighed with every development. “The oil may be offshore,” one analyst quipped, “but the fire is burning right here onshore.”
Tinubu without a tie spotting a blazer and colorful suede shoes meets Macron for dinner at Elysee
