Oil export: NUPRC begins real-time tracking to tackle losses

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission says it is set to enhance transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector through the implementation of the Advance Cargo Declaration Solution and the Engineering Audit of Upstream Measurement Equipment and Facilities.

It said in a statement that the plan is to track the movement of crude being exported out of the country for the purpose of transparency and accountability.

The commission disclosed that these initiatives are being executed in collaboration with P-Lyne Energy and PE Energy Limited.

While the Advance Cargo Declaration Solution will be carried out by P-Lyne Energy, the Engineering Audit will be done by PE Energy Limited.

It was stated that the Advance Cargo Declaration Solution is designed to establish a robust framework for declaring and tracking crude oil transportation and exports 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.

On the other hand, the Engineering Audit of Upstream Measurement Equipment and Facilities aims to establish reliable baseline data for all measurement points, identify gaps in production and allocation measurement, and implement targeted interventions to enhance metering infrastructure.

It addresses critical issues such as obsolete equipment, the lack of a comprehensive database, and the absence of real-time production measurement.

“These challenges have been identified as significant contributors to oil losses, with inaccurate measurement accounting for a substantial portion of crude oil losses in Nigeria,” the statement added.

The Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe, maintained that these initiatives align with NUPRC’s mandate to ensure optimal government revenues from upstream petroleum operations, as specified in the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.

The PUNCH reports that the NUPRC is making efforts to ramp up oil production to 2,000 million barrels per day.