NUPRC vows to defeat corruption in oil sector
Sopuruchi Onwuka
The Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr Gbenga Komolafe, has declared unwavering commitment to eradicating corruption within the upstream petroleum sector.
Engr Komolafe who delivered opening remarks at the commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day in the commission said corruption presents a clear danger to Nigeria’s growth and prosperity, adding that corrupt practices deprive citizens of essential services, discourages investments, and erodes trust in public institutions.
In pointing at the high stake petroleum industry, Engr Komolafe declared that “corruption can have devastating effects on national development, community welfare, and environmental sustainability.”
He stated that NUPRC is aware that corruption undermines the sector’s integrity and diminishes the resources available for national progress and therefore stands at the forefront of the nation’s efforts to ensure that hydrocarbon resources are managed with transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
According to him, the agency’s commitment to eradicate corruption aligns with the demands of good governance, transparency, and the equitable distribution of benefits from oil and gas operations as enunciated in the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 (PIA).
Engr Komolafe listed NUPRC’s initiatives, programs and milestones in fighting corruption to include implementation of the Oil and Gas Industry Service Permit (OGISP) portal to reduce human interaction in NUPRC’s permit processes and consequently the incidence of bribery and inefficiencies.
He also pointed at the award of petroleum licenses and leases through an open competitive bid process; as well as the recently launched HostComply platform to enhance the administration of the Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs).
Keying into the ICPC’s vision that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) must first address corruption within their organizations to combat corruption in Nigeria effectively, Engr Komolafe stated that the NUPRC has established its maiden Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit with its separate and dedicated budgetary line for its effective operation.
Since its establishment, he said, the NUPRC ACTU has also played its role in establishing the NUPRC ethical norms that depict the values of the NUPRC and the wider society.
He listed some of the key activities of the NUPRC ACTU to include creating internal awareness of NUPRC’s zero-tolerance for corruption through training, publications and banners.
He also stated that another activity includes systemic study and reviews of NUPRC’s major regulatory activities such as the recently concluded Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialization Programme; adding that the commission has also established whistle-blowing channels such as complaint boxes and secure email.
“ These efforts are already yielding results, as we see greater investor confidence and improved revenue inflows to the Federation Account. However, this battle is not one the NUPRC can fight and win alone. It requires the active participation of all stakeholders. Government Agencies must ensure strict enforcement of Anti-corruption laws, industry operators must uphold ethical practices in their operations, civil society must remain vigilant in holding us accountable, and every citizen must embrace integrity as a personal creed, refusing to condone or participate in corrupt practices,” urged.
Engr Komolafe announced introduction of integrity award to most deserving NUPRC staff who have consistently distinguished themselves in integrity, diligence, honesty, accountability, punctuality and other related qualities.
He urged the public to reaffirm commitment to work together to create a future where integrity is celebrated, and corruption is condemned, “a future where Nigeria’s oil and gas resources are a blessing for all and not a privilege for a few.”
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