The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has called for negotiations to put a stop to the ongoing battle between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and petroleum workers’ unions, stressing the need to prevent disruption in the nation’s energy supply.
NUPRC boss, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, on Saturday speaking on Arise Television called on Dangote Refinery, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to make understanding among themselves.
“Despite the fact that issues on the table are purely mid and downstream matters, our belief is that parties must desist from what will create dislocation in energy supply. These are matters that can be settled by discussion in the interest of the nation,” Komolafe said.
Beyond labour issues, Komolafe also listed the Commission’s achievements in curtailing crude oil theft and losses, referencing a 90 percent reduction since 2021. He attributed the progress to strategic interventions under the directive of President Bola Tinubu, where both kinetic and non-kinetic solutions were implemented.
He spoke of revolutionary regulations unveiled for the first time in Nigeria’s oil and gas history, like the Upstream Measurement Regulation and the Advanced Cargo Declaration Regulation, which ensure total transparency in crude oil movement.
The phased implementation has seen an Engineering Metering Audit of nearly 700 metering points, enabling independent verification of crude data which had previously relied on reporting by international oil companies.
Komolafe also stated the Advanced Cargo Declaration now provides digital, real-time tracking of crude shipments, highlighting immediately differences in loaded and discharged quantities.
He noted it is important to maintain transparency and accountability in the industry to avoid losses, improve investor confidence, and turn around negative perceptions of Nigeria’s oil industry.
