The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has said more profound understanding of the petroleum sector, especially the functions of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), will create more benefits for Nigeria’s economy.
Speaker Abbas, therefore, called for the development of technical expertise, engagement in continuous learning, and fostering collaborative relationships with stakeholders in the oil and gas sector.
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The Speaker made the call at a retreat on Legislative Measures Towards the Realisation of the Mandate of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) at the National Assembly, Abuja on Monday.
The retreat was organized for members of all the relevant Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream, Midstream, Downstream, and Gas).
The Speaker said the retreat was aimed at enhancing the understanding of the petroleum sector and equipping the House with the necessary legislative tools to support the NUPRC in achieving its mandate.
He said: “The petroleum sector has long been the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, contributing substantially to our GDP and serving as the primary source of foreign exchange earnings. However, its potential has often been hindered by inefficiencies and outdated regulatory frameworks.
“The enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 marked a historic turning point, introducing reforms that have redefined the governance, operations, and transparency of the oil and gas industry. These reforms include clearer delineation of roles, streamlined licensing procedures, enhanced environmental safeguards, and a renewed emphasis on attracting investments.”
Speaker Abbas noted that the National Assembly has played a critical role in driving the reforms in the petroleum industry, from legislative enactments to oversight, ensuring the sector’s sustainability and effectiveness.
“It is our responsibility to continue supporting the NUPRC and other stakeholders in achieving the full benefits of these reforms for all Nigerians,” he said.
While noting that legislative oversight is a cornerstone of democracy and good governance, he said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) underscores the importance of parliamentary scrutiny in ensuring accountability within the oil and gas sector. He added that it provides a robust framework for oversight, empowering the National Assembly to monitor the operations of regulatory agencies like the NUPRC.
“However, effective oversight is not without challenges. The technical complexity of the extractive industry, information asymmetry, and the ever-evolving nature of the sector can limit the ability of parliamentarians to perform their duties effectively. To overcome these obstacles, members must develop technical expertise, engage in continuous learning, and foster collaborative relationships with stakeholders,” he said.
The Speaker stressed that the interactive session was designed to deepen the lawmakers’ understanding of the NUPRC’s operations, the legal framework governing its activities, and the broader dynamics of the petroleum industry. “By enhancing our knowledge, we will be better equipped to provide effective oversight and hold the commission accountable for delivering on its mandate,” he stated.
While stressing the need to fully utilise all oversight tools at the House’s disposal, including inspections, public hearings, investigations, and interpellations, the Speaker stated that effective engagement between legislative committees and the NUPRC is critical to avoiding unnecessary conflicts or repetitive invitations. He noted that by fostering open communication and mutual understanding, the parliament can create a more productive working relationship.
Speaker Abbas said: “To this end, I urge the committees to adopt a strategic approach that prioritises constructive dialogue and aligns legislative priorities with the operational realities of the NUPRC. Regular updates, joint assessments, and targeted inquiries can streamline oversight processes and improve outcomes.
“My expectation for today’s session is that it will lead to a clearer understanding of the NUPRC’s mandate and foster smoother, more effective engagement between the commission and the House committees. I encourage all members to view oversight not as a solitary task but as a collective responsibility integral to good governance. Together, we must ensure that the upstream petroleum sector serves the interests of all Nigerians, promotes sustainable practices, and remains globally competitive.”