<p><strong> MOHAMMED, JSC (Read the Lead Judgment): </strong> The respondent, who was plaintiff at the trial High Court, wrote an application on 24th November, 1998, to the Head of State for the allocation of Offshore Oil Blocks Nos. 248, 249 and 250. The application was made in accordance with the Indigenous Exploration Programme initiated by the Federal Government in 1991 by virtue of the Petroleum Act, Cap. 350, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990.</p><p>On 8th of March, 1999, the application for the allocation of OPL 248 was approved by the Head of State in the following letter:</p><p>“Ref. No. PI/BAL/371/S.442/V.1</p><p>Date <em> 8 March, 1999</em></p><p><em> </em> The Chairman,</p><p> Zebra Energy (Nig.) Limited, </p><p>Plot 6B Park View Estate,</p><p> Ikoyi, Lagos.</p><p>Dear Sir,</p><p><em> APPLICATION FOR DISCRETIONARY ALLOCATION OF OPL 248 </em></p><p>I wish to refer to your application for the allocation of OPL 248 and to convey the approval of the Head of State, Commander-In-Chief of the said block to your organisation, Zebra Energy (Nig.) Limited. This offer is subject to the follow…</p>