The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has announced plans to boost transparency and accountability in the country’s oil and gas sector.

This will be achieved through the implementation of the Advance Cargo Declaration Solution and an Engineering Audit of Upstream Measurement Equipment and Facilities.

The initiative it said aims to monitor the movement of crude exports to ensure greater transparency and accountability.

The commission revealed that these initiatives are being implemented in partnership with P-Lyne Energy and PE Energy Limited.

P-Lyne Energy will handle the Advance Cargo Declaration Solution, while PE Energy Limited will carry out the Engineering Audit.

It also stated that the Advance Cargo Declaration Solution is designed to create a strong framework for declaring and monitoring the transportation and export of crude oil from Nigeria.

“Its primary objectives include monitoring and accounting for the movement of crude oil within the country, preventing disruptions, theft, and under-declaration, and ensuring that only certified products are exported,” the statement disclosed.

It added that the solution will also enable real-time tracking, reconciliation, and reporting of crude oil exports, thereby facilitating accurate revenue billing and generation.

Meanwhile, the Engineering Audit of Upstream Measurement Equipment and Facilities aims to establish accurate baseline data for all measurement points, identify gaps in production and allocation measurement, and implement targeted interventions to improve metering infrastructure.

It seeks to address key challenges, including outdated equipment, the absence of a comprehensive database, and the lack of real-time production measurement.

The Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe, emphasized that these initiatives are in line with the NUPRC’s mandate to maximize government revenues from upstream petroleum operations, as outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.