NUPRC seeks completion of headquarters to boost Nigeria’s investment appeal

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has urged for the prompt completion of its proposed headquarters, nicknamed "The Barrel". According to a statement by Eniola Akinkuotu, the Head of Media and Corporate Communications, the 10-storey building, which can house 900-1,000 individuals, is designed like a convex, curved cylinder with its bulge at the center.

Situated in Abuja's Central Business District, the building's construction began in 2020 but remains unfinished, forcing the NUPRC to work from various smaller offices across the Federal Capital Territory.

The commission's Chairman, Senator Magnus Abe, stated that the current office arrangement projects a negative image of Nigeria, particularly to significant oil and gas companies looking to invest billions of dollars in the country. Abe explained that when major oil and gas firms visit Nigeria to discuss investments, they encounter the NUPRC in a block of flats, necessitating additional visits to separate city locations for different transactions. This image is not only damaging for the nation but also detrimental to business, he emphasized.

The proposed permanent headquarters would offer a centralized location for the commission's operations and interactions with industry stakeholders, symbolizing national pride and confidence in Nigeria's oil and gas sector. Abe praised President Bola Tinubu for granting board members the chance to serve their country and providing strong support, clear policy, and a clear vision for the oil and gas industry.

He noted that the administration's policies are evident in the resurgence of investments in Nigeria's upstream petroleum sector, stimulating employment, business opportunities, development in host communities, and increased government revenues.

The NUPRC Chief Executive, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, called on the contractor to expedite the construction and finalize the project by the first quarter of 2027. Julius Berger Nigeria Plc's Managing Director, Engineer Peer Lubasch, assured that efforts will be made to meet the timeline.