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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe has reiterated the Commission’s unwavering commitment to eradicating corruption within the upstream petroleum sector.
Speaking during the celebration of International Anti-Corruption Day in Abuja, Komolafe emphasised the critical need for transparency, accountability, and ethical practices in managing Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources.
The NUPRC boss highlighted the far-reaching consequences of corruption in the oil and gas industry, describing it as a threat to national growth and environmental sustainability.
He said: “corruption is not an abstract issue; it is a clear and present danger to our nation’s growth and prosperity. It deprives citizens of essential services, discourages investments, and erodes trust in public institutions. In the oil and gas sector, where the stakes are high and revenues substantial, corruption can have devastating effects on national development, community welfare, and environmental sustainability.
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“Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector is a cornerstone of our economy. As custodians of this critical industry, we at the NUPRC recognize that corruption in any form undermines the sector’s integrity and diminishes the resources available for national progress.
“The NUPRC stands at the forefront of the nation’s efforts to ensure that our hydrocarbon resources are managed with transparency, accountability, and efficiency. As the Commission Chief Executive, I affirm our unwavering commitment to eradicating corruption within the upstream petroleum sector. This commitment aligns seamlessly with the principles of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 (PIA), which emphasises good governance, transparency, and the equitable distribution of benefits from oil and gas operations.”
Komolafe outlined several initiatives the Commission has undertaken to combat corruption, including: The implementation of the Oil and Gas Industry Service Permit (OGISP) portal to reduce human interaction and minimize bribery in permit processes; awarding petroleum licenses and leases through an open competitive bidding process; and launching of the “HostComply” platform to enhance transparency in the administration of Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs), among others .
He further disclosed that the NUPRC has also taken internal measures to strengthen ethical practices, establishing its maiden Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) with a dedicated budgetary allocation.
The unit, the NUPRC boss noted, has been instrumental in raising awareness among staff, conducting system reviews, and encouraging whistleblowing through secure channels.
