Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NURC) Replaces the Department of the Petroleum Resources (DPR)

Members of the Senate this Wednesday confirmed the appointments of the board members of the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NURC), in line with the provisions of Sections 11 and 18 (1-5) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021. The Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources had submitted a report, which showed that the nominees demonstrated sufficient knowledge of the workings of the petroleum industry, especially the upstream petroleum sector, as well as the economics of petroleum exploration and production. This formed the basis for the confirmation.

By the approval of the board members for the commission, the Department of Petroleum Resources and its leadership led by Engr. Sarki Auwalu has ceased to exist. The NURC has automatically replaced the Department of Petroleum Resources and assumes its responsibilities. The Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 gives NURC enormous and huge responsibility to set and establish the Commission. All activities in the upstream subsector of the oil and gas industry will hence forth revolve around this new board.

The members of the board are Isa Modibbo – Chairman; Gbenga Komolafe – Chief Executive; Hassan Gambo – Executive Commissioner, Finance and Accounts; and Rose Ndong – Executive Commissioner, Exploration and Acreage Management. The new board has a responsibility to provide a solid and stable foundation for Commission.