CSOs Pass Vote Of Confidence On NUPRC Leadership

The Civil Society Network for Good Governance (CSNGG), an umbrella body of 87 CSOs in Nigeria, has passed a vote of confidence on the management of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) under Engr. Gbenga Komolafe after its keen observation of operations and activities in the Commission.

The group, at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, August 3, 2023, commended the Commission over laudable reforms in the promotion of sustainable value creation, adding that the Engr. Komolafe-led NUPRC will continue to win despite antics of persons it called detractors.

In a statement signed by CSNGG President, Amb. Adefila Kama, he said the group was aware of moves within and outside the NUPRC to sanitise the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, adding that the Engineer Komolafe-led Commission with the plan of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came up with regulations to curb oil theft and losses through operational and administrative leakages.

“These regulations within a few months of its introduction have resulted in the transparent bridging of oil and gas products and price equalization management that have saved the government billions of Naira.

“NUPRC in less than a year of operation under the focus, transparent and dogged leadership of Engineer Gbenga has ensured strict adherence to all rules and regulations guiding approvals and issuance of licensing in the upstream sector,” he stated.

The group also noted that the Commission had been praised for its sterling performance and ability to raise about N174 billion in signature bonuses paid for marginal oil fields and developed regulatory initiatives within a short period.

“Therefore, considering all these laudable and bold achievements we pass a vote of confidence on the management of the NUPRC under the able and capable leadership of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe,” they added.

The CSOs Network, however, claimed they were aware of the plot by a few misguided members of the public who are anti-reform to bring the name of the Commission and that of the CEO to disrepute over fabricated and unsubstantiated claims.

“They have among others accused the management team led by Engineer Gbenga of non-remittance of pension deductions, poor working environment, and insufficient working tools.

“This is a misrepresentation of facts, all evidence available to us showed that as one of the most experienced public servants who put in many years, Engineer Gbenga prioritised staff well-being and this is evident in many welfare packages he rolled out for them.

“We are also aware that some issues that bordered on staff welfare have either been addressed or are in the process of being addressed.

“We charge staff, unions within and outside the Commission, CSOs, and media to cooperate with the Commission in the discharge of their responsibilities which involve monitoring operations at drilling sites, producing wells, production platforms and flow stations, crude oil export terminals, and all pipelines among others. This is the only way NUPRC and Nigeria at large can achieve her oil and goals,” they said.