In response to ongoing issues with crude oil supply to local refineries, including the Dangote Refinery, the Nigerian government has announced a review of its Domestic Crude Supply Obligation Regulations from 2023. This move aims to address the current supply crisis affecting several domestic refineries.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) revealed this plan through a notice issued on Thursday. The notice was signed by the Chief Executive of NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe. The NUPRC also plans to review the National Data Repository Regulations as part of this process.
The commission is seeking input from various stakeholders involved in the Nigerian upstream petroleum sector. This includes lessees, licensees, permit holders, and host communities. The NUPRC has invited these stakeholders to provide their feedback within 21 days of the notice’s publication.
“In line with Section 216 (1) of the PIA 2021, which requires the commission to consult with stakeholders before finalizing regulations or amendments to regulations, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission hereby invites inputs from lessees, licensees, permit holders, host communities and other stakeholders of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum sector, within 21 days from the date of this publication,” the notice stated.
This announcement follows recent criticism from the President of the Dangote Group. In a statement, he accused the NUPRC of being slow to enforce Domestic Supply Obligations by International Oil Companies, exacerbating the supply issues facing local refineries.