NUPRC Sparks Controversy: Over 200 Staff Set to Relocate from Abuja to Lagos Amidst CBN, FAAN Transfers

In the wake of the recent staff transfers by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), formerly known as the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), is set to relocate over 200 of its staff from Abuja to Lagos.

The decision, led by the Commission Chief Executive (CCE) Gbenga Komolafe, has sparked controversy, especially considering the recent relocation of CBN and FAAN departments from Abuja to Lagos. The NUPRC’s move is said to create space for new recruits, a justification met with skepticism by some stakeholders.

A senior management source revealed that the CCE aims to relocate departments, citing the need for additional staff. However, critics argue that the commission had recently moved its office from Lagos to Abuja, and a nearly completed 10-storey headquarters in Abuja challenges the necessity of such a move.

The new headquarters, strategically situated in the Central Business District of Abuja, was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in 2020. Spanning 4,150 sqm, the building’s completion was initially scheduled for 24 months.

Despite attempts to seek clarification from the head of Public Affairs, Mrs. Sonola, there was no response. When approached, CCE Gbenga Komolafe promised to address the issue and provide insight into the regulatory direction of NUPRC but has yet to respond, leaving stakeholders in anticipation. Is

The relocation of NUPRC staff to Lagos raises questions about the reasoning behind the move and its potential impact on the commission’s operations.