Petroleum commission to relocate key departments to Lagos after FAAN and CBN

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is currently considering relocating some of its units to Lagos.

This was contained in a memo dated February 14, 2024 and seen by our reporter.

The commission noted said the decision was based on “the need to enhance our service delivery, reduce operational costs, and make adequate utilization of our assets in Lagos”.

“In line with our objectives of improving organizational efficiency, driving industry growth, and managing office accommodation in Abuja, we are exploring the possibility of relocating certain units to Lagos.

“This initiative is driven by the need to enhance our service delivery, reduce operational costs, and make adequate utilization of our assets in Lagos.

“Consequently, we are requesting that each department identify and provide a list of units that can operate independently with minimal supervision.

“Submissions on the above are expected on or before the close of business on Friday 23rd February 2024.

“This is submitted for your further necessary action, please.”

The memo was signed by Dr Kelechi Onyekachi Ofoegbu on behalf of the Commission.

The development comes on the heels of the recent relocation of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) headquarters to Lagos.

The NUPRC, formerly the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), is a department under the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources (FMPR).

It monitors the oil and gas industry to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and laws, as well as oversees the safety and other regulations that relate to the exportation and importation of the products into the country.

A senior management source who spoke with Daily Trust said: “The Commission Chief Executive (CCE), Gbenga Komolafe has started making moves to relocate some departments to Lagos.

“He claims that this is to create space for new staff he wants to recruit. This is totally not justifiable as the office was moved to Abuja from Lagos not more than two years ago, and a very big new headquarter building is almost completed.

“So far they are transferring 200 staff of the upstream out of Abuja.”

Located at the strategic Central Business District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, the new headquarter is a 10-storey building which was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2020, and was initially scheduled for completion in 24 months.

It spans 4,150 sqm with the main building itself occupying a total ground floor area of approximately 48,400 sqm, comprising a basement and a penthouse.

Efforts to reach the head of Public Affairs, Mrs Sonola to confirm the rationale for the transfer was not successful as she did not pick or return her calls, neither did she respond to text and Whatsapp messages sent to her phone as at the time of going to press

When Daily Trust contacted the Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, on Tuesday, he said: “Will call and speak with you in few minutes on the issue and general regulatory direction by the NUPRC pls.”

However, 24 hours after, and after calls and sending several reminders, there was response from him.

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