NUPRC Restates Commitment To Transparency, Accountability In Management Of Hydrocarbon Resources
6 months ago 3 min read
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has said that it is at the forefront of managing Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources transparently and efficiently.
The Commission Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, said this in his remarks during an event organized by the Commission to mark the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day. The event is also the regional inauguration of NUPRC Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).
The CCE spoke on the theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity.”
Komolafe’s remark comes in the wake of concerns about the detrimental impact of unchecked corruption on Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
The NUPRC boss called for urgency in addressing corruption adding, “It deprives citizens of essential services, discourages investments, and erodes trust in public institutions.”
Komolafe called for the need to fight corruption through automation of systems and processes which would reduce human interference.
According to him, the commission has implemented measures to automate most of its systems and significantly reducing human interference in its processes.
Another measure adopted by the NUPRC is the implementation of the Oil and Gas Industry Service Permit (OGISP) Portal.
He said the OGISP reduces human interaction in permit processes and consequently the incidents of bribery.
He said that the ongoing bid round is a testament to the commission’s transparent approach in awarding licenses and leases.
Komolafe highlighted the recently launched HostComply platform which enhances the administration of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT).
The CCE said “NUPRC stands at the forefront of the nation’s efforts to ensure that our hydrocarbon resources are managed with transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
“As the Commission Chief Executive, I affirm our unwavering commitment to eradicating corruption within the upstream petroleum sector. This commitment aligns seamlessly with principles of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 (PIA), which emphasizes good governance, transparency, and the equitable distribution of benefits from oil and gas operations.
“In the oil and gas sector, where the stakes are high and revenues substantial, corruption can have devastating effects on national development, community welfare, and environmental sustainability.
“Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector is a cornerstone of our economy. As custodians of this critical industry, we at the NUPRC recognize that corruption in any form undermines the sector’s integrity and diminishes the resources available for national progress.”
Speaking at the event, human rights lawyer and activist, Mr. Femi Falana said, “What is lacking is the political will to fight corruption. Corruption is causing enormous damage to our country and we must unite and collectively fight.
“For all of us, we must fight corruption. Under the Constitution, Session 24, we are now required to assist all lawful agencies in our country in combating crimes.”
Falana praised the progress made by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in anti-graft war.
