The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) is the statutory regulatory authority responsible for the regulation and monitoring of upstream petroleum operations in Nigeria.

The Commission plays a central role in administering and overseeing activities across Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector, including petroleum exploration and production, licensing and regulatory compliance, technical standards, environmental requirements, petroleum data administration and government revenue assurance.

NUPRC’s mandate is focused on ensuring that upstream petroleum operations are conducted safely, efficiently, sustainably and in accordance with applicable Nigerian laws, regulations, technical standards and good international petroleum industry practices.

OUR MANDATE

NUPRC’s statutory mandate includes ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing upstream petroleum operations, promoting safe and efficient operations, supporting sustainable infrastructure development, administering technical standards and promoting an enabling environment for investment in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry.

The Commission also has responsibilities relating to environmental requirements, government policies for upstream petroleum operations and the efficient management of petroleum resources.

WHAT NUPRC DOES

NUPRC performs a wide range of regulatory and oversight functions across Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry, including:

  • Regulation of upstream petroleum operations.
  • Supervision of petroleum operations conducted under licences and leases.
  • Monitoring of drilling, production and other upstream activities.
  • Administration and processing of applicable licences, leases and permits.
  • Monitoring compliance with petroleum laws, regulations and guidelines.
  • Administration of technical standards, codes and specifications.
  • Monitoring health, safety and environmental requirements.
  • Supporting environmentally responsible and sustainable petroleum operations.
  • Monitoring production and export activities.
  • Administration of petroleum-related records and data.
  • Administration of the National Data Repository.
  • Monitoring government revenues including rents, royalties and other applicable payments.
  • Supporting policies and initiatives relating to upstream petroleum development.

UPSTREAM PETROLEUM REGULATION IN NIGERIA

The upstream petroleum sector is a critical component of Nigeria’s energy industry and economy. NUPRC provides regulatory oversight intended to promote responsible resource development, operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, safety and compliance.

Its regulatory activities cover areas associated with exploration, development and production of petroleum resources, as well as related technical, operational and commercial activities.

VISION

To be Africa’s leading Regulator.

MISSION

Promoting sustainable value creation from Nigeria’s Petroleum Resources for shared prosperity.

KEY AREAS OF REGULATORY OVERSIGHT

NUPRC’s work encompasses several important areas of the upstream petroleum value chain, including:

1. Exploration & Production Regulation
Oversight of upstream petroleum exploration, development and production activities.

2. Licensing, Leases & Permits
Processing and administration of applicable petroleum licences, leases and permits.

3. Technical Regulation
Development, administration and implementation of technical standards, codes, practices and specifications applicable to upstream operations.

4. Health, Safety & Environment
Regulatory oversight aimed at ensuring petroleum operations meet applicable health, safety and environmental requirements.

5. Petroleum Data Management
Management and administration of petroleum-related information and the National Data Repository.

6. Revenue Assurance
Monitoring applicable rents, royalties and other revenues due to the Federal Government.

7. Operational Compliance
Monitoring petroleum operations to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and regulatory requirements.

8. Sustainable Petroleum Development
Promoting upstream petroleum operations that are efficient, safe, environmentally responsible and sustainable.

INDUSTRY COVERAGE

NUPRC’s regulatory responsibilities extend across Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry, including activities associated with:

  • Oil and gas exploration
  • Field development
  • Petroleum production
  • Drilling operations
  • Producing wells
  • Production platforms
  • Flowstations
  • Crude oil export terminals
  • Petroleum pipelines
  • Petroleum licences and leases
  • Upstream technical operations
  • Petroleum data and information
  • Health, safety and environmental compliance

The Commission states that its monitoring responsibilities include drilling sites, producing wells, production platforms, flowstations, crude oil export terminals and pipelines carrying crude oil and natural gas.

WHY NUPRC IS IMPORTANT TO NIGERIA’S PETROLEUM INDUSTRY

As the upstream petroleum regulator, NUPRC provides an important institutional framework for ensuring that petroleum resources are developed and managed in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.

Its work supports:

  • Regulatory compliance
  • Responsible petroleum resource development
  • Operational safety
  • Environmental protection
  • Technical standards
  • Investment confidence
  • Government revenue assurance
  • Petroleum-sector transparency and accountability
  • Sustainable development of Nigeria’s upstream petroleum resources

INDUSTRIES & STAKEHOLDERS

NUPRC’s regulatory environment involves a broad range of stakeholders within Nigeria’s petroleum industry, including:

  • International Oil Companies (IOCs)
  • Indigenous oil and gas companies
  • Independent exploration and production companies
  • Marginal and other upstream operators
  • Oilfield service companies
  • Petroleum contractors
  • Technical service providers
  • Investors
  • Government institutions
  • Petroleum industry professionals
  • Industry associations
  • Host communities and other relevant stakeholders

CORPORATE CONTACT INFORMATION

Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)

Head Office:
No. 7 Sylvester Ugoh Crescent,
Jabi, Abuja FCT, Nigeria.

Telephone:
+234 (0) 916 901 1150

Email:
nuprc@nuprc.gov.ng

Corporate Communications & Media:
+234 705 555 7186
corpcommunications@nuprc.gov.ng

Official Website:
www.nuprc.gov.ng