Liberia watchdog questions Arthur Eze, Oranto oil blocks bid

Liberia’s push to restart offshore oil exploration is drawing scrutiny over the return of Nigerian businessman Arthur Eze and an Oranto Petroleum-linked venture to blocks tied to controversy.

Liberia Early Warning Watch, known as LEW WATCH, says the government is preparing to award nine offshore blocks to five firms and to sign new production sharing contracts without enough public disclosure. In its recent report, the group warns that weak due diligence could leave licenses with companies that lack the money, equipment or track record to drill.

The watchdog singled out Atlas Oranto Petroleum Liberia Limited, linked to Eze’s Oranto Petroleum, and urged authorities to address questions around four blocks identified as LB 15, LB 16, LB 22 and LB 24. It also cited concerns about the company’s record abroad.

LEW WATCH pointed to a dispute in Senegal, where authorities revoked offshore licenses tied to Oranto in 2025, citing unmet obligations. Oranto has contested that account, saying it halted investments after a disagreement over required financial guarantees and that it spent millions on seismic surveys and other work.

Under Liberia’s petroleum framework, the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority leads negotiations for oil agreements, with finance and justice officials reviewing fiscal and legal terms and the Liberia Revenue Authority guarding tax interests. LEW WATCH alleges senior officials across that chain are moving toward signatures while the public still lacks key details on how firms were vetted.

The government has pledged transparency in efforts to revive a sector dormant for decades. When contacted by local media, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning said it would respond later. The authority and the Ministry of Justice did not reply to emailed requests for comment up to publication.

The companies listed in the group’s review include Nigeria’s Binad Oil and Gas Services for Block 8 and Tarrock Integrated Oil and Gas for Block 9. Cabral Energy LLC of the United States is listed for Blocks 2, 3 and 4, while Nigeria’s Transoceanic Energy Group is listed for Block 27 and Liberty Petroleum of the United States for Block 32.

LEW WATCH said corporate records suggest some of the firms focus on logistics, consulting or liquefied natural gas rather than offshore exploration. It said it could not find sufficient public information on Tarrock. Deepwater drilling is expensive, the group noted, and requires specialized technology, large capital commitments and strict adherence to work programs.

In its statement, the group warned that awarding rights to what it called flippers could turn blocks into speculative assets rather than active projects. It urged competitive bidding, contract publication and engagement with international transparency partners and local civic groups.

Liberia’s offshore exploration history stretches back to the 1950s and includes a confirmed discovery in 1978. Yet no find has reached commercial production, and major firms have cycled in and out as prices and results shifted. Activists say this round should be judged by one test: whether the country gets exploration and a fair return.