In a surprising move, the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) announced its intention to shift certain departments and units from Abuja to Lagos, despite significant investment in a new N70 billion headquarters in Abuja.
The decision, outlined in a memo titled ‘Movement to Lagos,’ signed by Executive Commissioner Kelechi Onyeakachi Ofoegbu, aims to improve service delivery, cut operational expenses, and optimize assets in Lagos.
Formerly known as the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), NUPRC operates as a government parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, with its headquarters situated in Abuja. However, in a circular dated February 14, the commission explained its intention to relocate portions of its operations to Lagos with aims to bolster service delivery, curtail operational expenses, and optimize assets in Lagos.
The memo stated, “In line with our objectives of improving organizational efficiency, driving industry growth, and managing office accommodation in Abuja, we are exploring the possibility of relocating certain units to Lagos.”
Departments were urged to identify units capable of independent operation with minimal supervision, with submissions expected by February 23, 2024.
Despite this move, insider sources expressed concerns over potential disruptions in service delivery and staff productivity. They suggested that the relocation might be linked to consolidating the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act and ensuring its smooth implementation.
Moreover, concerns were raised over the significant investment made in constructing a new head office in Abuja, which is reportedly 80% complete, with over N70 billion already expended. The decision to relocate raises questions about the financial burden associated with moving staff from Lagos to Abuja previously and now back to Lagos.
Critics also highlighted existing challenges within the commission, including issues with staff welfare, payment of salaries and allowances, remittance of staff contributions to cooperatives, and medical bill payments. These concerns underscored doubts about the commission’s financial capacity to undertake such a relocation.
The decision drew parallels with previous contentious relocations by institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which faced allegations of regional marginalization. However, government officials, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, have emphasized the potential operational benefits and cost reductions associated with the relocation.
As of now, the commission has not officially responded to the memo, which has generated significant attention on social media platforms.
