NUPRC, formerly the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, is a government parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – A leaked memo from the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, directing heads of some of its departments and units to prepare for relocation from Abuja to Lagos has raised concerns among Nigerians.
This is partly because the directive is coming within a short period after thw completion of its N70billion new headquarters in Abuja.
It is also an issue because the dust raised by the relocation of some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is yet to settle.
There were allegations, which were dismissed by the government as baseless, that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is working to relocate major state agencies to Lagos State, where he hails from.
NUPRC, formerly the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, is a government parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
In a memo dated February 14, 2024, titled: ‘Movement to Lagos,’ and signed by the executive commissioner, corporate services and administration, Kelechi Onyeakachi Ofoegbu, the NUPRC said that the move was geared towards enhancing service delivery, reduce operational costs, and make adequate utilisation “of our assets in Lagos”.
It stated: “In line with our objectives of improving organisational 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 utilisation 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 23, 2024.
“This is submitted for your further necessary action, please.”