By Our Reporter
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have renewed their commitment to closer collaboration aimed at improving service delivery and boosting investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The strengthened partnership was formalised at a meeting held at NUPRC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, where both regulators agreed to work more closely by nominating focal representatives to jointly address regulatory overlaps and operational challenges, ensuring a smoother and more efficient regulatory process across the industry.
To sustain the collaboration, the agencies resolved to hold quarterly meetings to deepen coordination, promptly resolve emerging issues and promote the overall interest of the oil and gas sector. The initiative is expected to eliminate bottlenecks, reduce delays and create a more predictable regulatory environment for operators and investors.
NUPRC Chief Executive, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, underscored the need for synergy, describing the oil and gas industry as the “heartbeat of the nation’s economy.” She noted that effective cooperation between upstream, midstream and downstream regulators is critical, given the blurred lines across the value chain, and said the renewed engagement marked the beginning of stronger institutional ties. Eyesan also sought NMDPRA’s support for the ongoing licensing round offering 50 oil and gas blocks, expected to attract fresh investments and grow national reserves.
In his response, NMDPRA Chief Executive, Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, described both agencies as “brother and sister” institutions that emerged from the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), stressing that harmonious collaboration was essential for sectoral stability. He said differences should be resolved internally and amicably, reaffirming the authority’s commitment to working with NUPRC to deliver efficient, unified regulation for the benefit of the industry and the nation.