NUPRC to Go Live on Advance Cargo Declaration – Komolafe

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) will commence implementation of the Advance Cargo Declaration (ACD) system in the coming weeks, marking a major step in Nigeria’s efforts to curb crude oil theft and improve transparency in upstream petroleum operations.

The Commission Chief Executive (CCE), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, made the announcement on Thursday during his keynote address at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), held in Lagos.

Speaking on the topic “Evolution of Oil and Gas Regulation in Nigeria: Opportunities, Achievements and Regulatory Strategies for Upstream Resource Optimisation,” Komolafe said:

“The NUPRC is relentlessly committed to activating the go live of the Advance Cargo Declaration initiative. In the weeks ahead, we will go live on the Advance Cargo Declaration initiative.”

About the Initiative

The ACD, introduced under the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation, 2024, will establish a comprehensive system for declaring and tracking the export of crude oil and petroleum products from Nigeria.

Its objectives include:

• Enhancing oversight of crude oil movements within the country.

• Curbing disruptions, theft, and under-reporting at export terminals.

• Ensuring only certified and accurately measured products are exported.

• Improving accuracy in government revenue collection.

Post-PIA Achievements

Since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), NUPRC has:

• Issued 19 new regulations aligned with global best practices.

• Launched a 10-Year Strategic Plan (2023–2033).

• Unveiled a Regulatory Action Plan (RAP) aimed at removing bottlenecks, boosting investor confidence, and expanding Nigeria’s share of upstream investment in sub-Saharan Africa.

“The RAP sets out tactical initiatives to address long-standing bottlenecks, promote transparent licensing rounds, and introduce fiscally attractive frameworks for offshore, deepwater, and gas-based investments,” Komolafe stated.

Production Growth and Security Measures

Komolafe revealed that:

• Rig count has risen from 8 in 2021 to 43 in 2025, with projections to hit 50 before year-end.

• Daily crude production now averages 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd), with the Project One Million Barrels initiative targeting 2.5 million bpd by 2026.

• 37 new evacuation routes have been approved to improve crude transport.

• Enhanced collaboration with security agencies has led to measurable reductions in oil theft.

The Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO) is also being enforced to supply consistent feedstock to local refineries, bolstering domestic refining capacity and energy security.

Gas-Centric Energy Transition

Komolafe stressed the importance of aligning oil and gas development with global climate commitments. The Commission is driving Nigeria’s gas-focused energy transition through:

• Decade of Gas initiative.

• Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP).

• Presidential CNG Initiative.

These programmes aim to:

• End routine gas flaring by 2030.

• Reduce methane emissions by 60% by 2031.

• Monetise over 600 trillion cubic feet of gas through LNG expansion, floating production systems, and cross-border pipelines.

Digital Innovation and Decarbonisation

As part of its cleaner energy transition, the Commission is implementing the Upstream Decarbonisation Framework and Blueprint, focusing on:

• Emissions monitoring.

• Carbon capture.

• Access to carbon markets.

The revitalised National Data Repository (NDR) is now Africa’s largest digital petroleum data bank, reinforcing NUPRC’s digital-first approach.

Investor Confidence

Komolafe noted that Nigeria’s abundant resources and youthful workforce make it an attractive destination for energy investments. While challenges such as infrastructure deficits and global energy transition pressures remain, he stressed that these are surmountable.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to:

• Sustaining competitive licensing rounds.

• Exploring frontier basins.

• Enhancing crude evacuation infrastructure.

• Deepening gas commercialisation.

• Advancing the 1MMBPD initiative.

• Operationalising carbon market participation.