By Adedapo Adesanya
A television programme put together by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) will return to the screens from Thursday, May 6, 2021, the agency has confirmed.
The show will air on all Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) channels on DSTV channel 251, STARTIMES channel 104 and GOTV. It would also be available to view in parts of African countries and Europe.
The 13-episode programme slated to air at 6:00 p.m. is designed to deepen stakeholders understanding of the roles and responsibilities of DPR as well as provide an update on global oil and gas industry matters to viewers.
According to a statement signed by its Head, Public Affairs, Mr Paul Osu, the programme will showcase how the agency has continued to use its service instruments of licences, permits and approvals to enable business and create opportunities for investors and stakeholders in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
The DPR added that it will continue to guarantee investments, enable participation and authorise activities in the oil and gas industry in alignment with the aspirations of the government to provide energy security for the nation and create jobs for Nigerians.
The DPR is responsible for ensuring compliance with petroleum laws, regulations and guidelines in the oil and gas industry. Other responsibilities include monitoring of operations at drilling sites, producing wells, production platforms and flow stations, crude oil export terminals, refineries, storage depots, pump stations, retail outlets, any other locations where petroleum is either stored or sold and all pipelines carrying crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products.
Currently led by Mr Sarki Auwalu, the agency carries out the following functions, among others: supervising all petroleum industry operations being carried out under licences and leases in the country; ensures that operations are in line with national goals and aspirations including those relating to flare down and domestic gas supply obligations; ensuring that health, safety and environment regulations conform with national and international best oil field practice.
It also maintains records on petroleum industry operations, particularly on matters relating to petroleum reserves, production/exports, licences and leases; advises Government and relevant agencies on technical matters and public policies that may have an impact on the administration and petroleum activities.
It is its duties to process industry applications for leases, licences and permits; ensure timely and accurate payments of Rents, Royalties and other revenues due to the government, and maintain and administer the National Data Repository (NDR).
Modupe Gbadeyanka