The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has set the first quarter of 2027 as the new target for completing its 10-storey headquarters, known as The Barrel, in Abuja.
The Commission said the completion of the building would improve its operational efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s image when engaging local and international investors in the oil and gas industry.
Located in Abuja’s Central Business District, The Barrel was initiated in 2020 and is designed to accommodate between 900 and 1,000 staff.
The NUPRC Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, disclosed this in a statement, describing the building as a distinctive structure with a convex, curved-cylinder design that bulges outward at its centre.
Speaking during an inspection of the project, the Chairman of the NUPRC Board, Senator Magnus Abe, said the Commission’s current office arrangement could negatively affect Nigeria’s image before major international oil and gas investors.
Abe said it was embarrassing for multinational companies seeking to discuss investments worth billions of dollars in Nigeria to meet the industry regulator in a block of flats and subsequently move to different locations across Abuja to engage various departments.
“It is a thing of great embarrassment to this country when major oil and gas companies come to Nigeria to discuss investments worth billions of dollars, only to meet the regulator in a block of flats and from there proceed to other parts of the city to see different departments to conduct transactions with the NUPRC,” he said.
“This image is not just bad for the country, but bad for business.”
According to him, the completion of The Barrel would provide a centralised location for the Commission’s operations and engagements with industry stakeholders.
He added that the facility would serve as a symbol of national pride and demonstrate confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
“The edifice will enable the industry to operate from one central location, bring pride to our nation and serve as a symbol of confidence,” Abe said.
The NUPRC board chairman commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the Commission and what he described as policy clarity and a clear vision for the upstream petroleum sector.
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Abe said the impact of the administration’s policies was already being reflected in renewed investment in Nigeria’s upstream industry.
He added that increased investments were creating employment and business opportunities, supporting development in host communities and boosting government revenue.
Also speaking, the NUPRC Commission Chief Executive, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, directed the contractor handling the project to accelerate construction and ensure delivery by the first quarter of 2027.
The Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engineer Peer Lubasch, assured the Commission that the contractor would make efforts to meet the revised completion deadline.
