Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission Plans Relocation to Lagos Despite N70 Billion Abuja HQ Investment
The Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced plans to relocate some of its departments and units from Abuja to Lagos, despite having spent N70 billion to construct a new headquarters in Abuja. The decision, outlined in a memo titled ‘Movement to Lagos,’ signed by the executive commissioner of corporate services and administration, Kelechi Onyeakachi Ofoegbu, aims to enhance service delivery, reduce operational costs, and maximize asset utilization in Lagos.
The circular, dated February 14, stated that the relocation would enable the commission to improve organizational efficiency, drive industry growth, and manage office accommodation in Abuja more effectively. Each department has been asked to identify units that can operate independently with minimal supervision, with submissions expected by February 23, 2024.
However, an insider source expressed concerns about the potential disruption in service delivery and staff productivity resulting from the relocation. The source revealed that the decision was made to consolidate the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act and ensure its seamless implementation. Despite over N70 billion spent on the construction of a new headquarters in Abuja, the move to Lagos is seen as a strategic decision.
The source highlighted that the NUPRC HQ relocation to Abuja in December 2020, based on presidential directives, involved about 1,000 staff. Some staff later moved to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) after the signing of the Petroleum Industry Act. Presently, all staff in the HQ are comfortably seated between the Jabi Office and the Utako Annex. The new HQ Complex in CBD has reached 80% completion.
Critics have raised concerns about the associated costs of moving staff from Lagos to Abuja and back, adding to the financial burden on the government. They also questioned the commission’s ability to fulfill basic obligations such as payment of staff salaries, allowances, and other emoluments, as well as remittance of staff contributions to cooperative bodies.
The relocation decision has sparked controversy, reminiscent of similar moves by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which were perceived as marginalizing certain regions. However, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, defended the decision, citing increased operational efficiency and reduced operating costs as key benefits.
As of now, the NUPRC has not officially responded to the memo, which has generated significant attention on social media.
Daily Nigerian
