Civil Society Organisations Endorse Redeployment of NUPRC Personnel to Lagos

Sunday Ehigiator

Members of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, have endorsed the redeployment of some personnel of the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), noting that the move will foster accountability, and productivity and save costs for the nation

Addressing journalists on behalf of the coalition during a press briefing, the Coalition’s Spokesperson, Comrade Shina Loremikan stated that, based on their findings the commission is not relocating its headquarters to Lagos, saying, “NUPRC not leaving Abuja as erroneously speculated.”

According to him, “Some persons, including politicians and analysts, who are aware of NUPRC’s various roles, have come to perceive the actions of NUPRC more from the realm of politics than economics. Take the latest efforts to move some personnel, especially field officers to Lagos, where many oil and gas companies have offices for example.

“The truth is that with the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, comprehensive legislation, targeted at achieving restructuring, repositioning, increased productivity and transparency and accountability, the NUPRC inherited many personnel and its current building in Abuja from the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR.

“Sadly, many personnel do not have offices but work with their laptops from unsuitable locations, including conference rooms and corridors. Meanwhile, NUPRC still bears the financial and other costs of taking them frequently to Lagos, Warri and Port Harcourt to carry out their official duties.”

“After due consideration and in line with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to cut costs, eliminate wastages and enhance service delivery, the Engr. Gbenga Komolafe-led NUPRC started consulting with key stakeholders, especially the labour unions. The consultation culminated in the taking of the decision, targeted at reducing pressure on accommodation in Abuja, maximizing the use of the Lagos-based office, reducing operational costs, improving organisational efficiency and enhancing industry growth.

“Sadly, the decision has been unduly politicised and misconstrued to mean leaving Abuja. This constitutes a distraction to the NUPRC under the leadership of Engr. Komolafe means so well for the industry and Nigeria as illustrated in the bold steps taken to make a positive impact in the past few years. Already, NUPRC has developed regulations, giving meaning and intent to the PIA, to ensure that all bottlenecks associated with regulatory processes are eliminated, to entrench seamless upstream petroleum operations, “he added.