(1) Subject to the authorization of the Minister and any terms stipulated by the Minister, the Corporation may undertake petroleum activities in an area opened under section 7 but which is not covered by a petroleum agreement.

(2) An authorization by the Minister is not effective unless it is ratified by Parliament in accordance with article 268 of the Constitution.

(3) Where the Corporation undertakes petroleum activities, the  operations of the Corporation shall

(a) be carried out in accordance with approvals or permits granted under this Act and applicable enactments, and

(b) be in accordance with a long-term exploration and production programme and annual programme drawn up by the Corporation and approved by the Minister, in consultation with the Commission, in respect of each area.

(4) The Corporation may employ sub-contractors to perform the functions of the Corporation but these sub-contractors are not entitled to any share of petroleum produced as a result of their operations.

(5) Where the Corporation conducts petroleum activities not in association with a contractor, a contractor may subsequently be included as a party under a petroleum agreement in accordance with section 10.