The House of Representatives says it is poised to enhance the understanding of committee members regarding the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s mandate.
This is as the House organizes a retreat on Legislative Measures Towards the Realisation of the Mandate of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC.
The retreat is expected to provide a clear roadmap for legislative and oversight roles in implementing the Petroleum Industry Act.
It is also aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Parliament, the executive, and other stakeholders in the petroleum sector.
While declaring the retreat open, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas, said that the petroleum sector has long been the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing substantially to our GDP and serving as the primary source of foreign exchange earnings.
“The enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 marked a historic turning point, introducing reforms that have redefined the governance, operations, and transparency of the oil and gas industry. These reforms include clearer delineation of roles, streamlined licensing procedures, enhanced environmental safeguards, and a renewed emphasis on attracting investments. Central to this transformation is the NUPRC, which was established to regulate the upstream petroleum sector. Its mandates, as outlined in Section 94 of the PIA, include ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainable resource management. Some immediate gains include improved regulatory clarity, increased investor confidence, and a structured approach to addressing environmental and community issues. However, challenges remain, including the need for further infrastructural development, capacity building, and the full implementation of the PIA’s provisions.
“The National Assembly has played a critical role in driving these reforms, from legislative enactments to oversight, ensuring the sector’s sustainability and effectiveness. It is our responsibility to continue supporting the NUPRC and other stakeholders in achieving the full benefits of these reforms for all Nigerians.
Legislative oversight is a cornerstone of democracy and good governance. The Petroleum Industry Act underscores the importance of parliamentary scrutiny in ensuring accountability within the oil and gas sector. It provides a robust framework for oversight, empowering the National Assembly to monitor the operations of regulatory agencies like the NUPRC,” Mr Abbas said.
He, however, noted that effective oversight is not without challenges.
“The technical complexity of the extractive industry, information asymmetry, and the ever-evolving nature of the sector can limit the ability of parliamentarians to perform their duties effectively. To overcome these obstacles, members must develop technical expertise, engage in continuous learning, and foster collaborative relationships with stakeholders. Today’s interactive session is designed to deepen our understanding of the NUPRC’s operations, the legal framework governing its activities, and the broader dynamics of the petroleum industry,” he said.
He said that by enhancing legislative knowledge, the House will be better equipped to provide effective oversight and hold the commission accountable for delivering on its mandate.
“It is imperative that we fully utilise all oversight tools at our disposal, including inspections, public hearings, investigations, and interpellations. Effective engagement between legislative committees and the NUPRC is critical to avoiding unnecessary conflicts or repetitive invitations. By fostering open communication and mutual understanding, we can create a more productive working relationship,” the speaker added.
He therefore urged the committees to adopt a strategic approach that prioritises constructive dialogue and aligns legislative priorities with the operational realities of the NUPRC.
The Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Petroleum Upstream, Mr Sesi Whingan, said that the objective of the retreat was to chart a clear actionable road map to achieve the potential of the committee.
Manomsi Mallum
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