In Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, obtaining a NUPRC (formerly DPR) Permit is a crucial step for companies aiming to operate legally within the industry.
This permit, issued by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), signifies compliance with regulatory standards and authorisation to conduct specific activities.
Understanding NUPRC Permits
NUPRC offers three main categories of permits:
- General Category: Covers minor supplies, works, and maintenance services, not requiring specialised competencies. Various job groups fall under this category, such as Works (Artisans), Maintenance (Artisans), and Supply.
- Major Category: Requires relevant and verifiable technical skills, with diverse job groups including Consultancy, Aviation Support, Laboratory, Protocol and Logistics.
- Specialised Category: Demands specific technical expertise, encompassing activities like Offshore Pipeline laying and Onshore Pipeline construction.
Requirements for NUPRC Permits
Applicants must provide several documents to complete the NUPRC Permit application process:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Current Tax Clearance Certificate
- List of available equipment/facilities
- Receipt of payment for the Employee’s Compensation Scheme
- Medical Retainership Agreement
- Company Profile
- Staff list with qualifications
- DPR-endorsed request for expatriate quota (if applicable)
- Technical agreement or MOU with a Nigerian company/accredited laboratory (if applicable)
- Health, Safety, Environment, and Community (HSEC) Management System
Application Procedure
- Fill out the application form with relevant details.
- Submit the required documents either online or offline.
- Await processing, typically completed within 72 hours.
- Successful applicants can print their permits online.
Inspections
NUPRC may conduct facility inspections for new applicants under the Major and Specialised categories.
Inspections may also occur for companies applying for permit renewals after a lapse of more than three years.
Inspections are conducted without prior notice and are essential for evaluating professional competencies and capabilities.
Statutory Fees for NUPRC Permit
Applicants must pay statutory fees, which vary based on the permit category:
| Category | Fee | Service Charge |
| General Category | ₦5,000 | ₦500 |
| Major Category | ₦25,000 | ₦2,500 |
| Specialized Category | ₦250,000 | ₦7,500 |
Additionally, professional fees range from ₦250,000 to ₦1,500,000 depending on the complexity of the application.
Conclusion
With the recent enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the responsibility for issuing permits in the oil and gas sector has shifted between NUPRC and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
It is essential for applicants to seek guidance from legal experts or relevant agencies to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape effectively.
