NCC-DRC Pays Courtesy Visit to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)

NCC-DRC Pays Courtesy Visit to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)
The Nigerian Chambers of Commerce Dispute Resolution Center (NCC-DRC) paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission on Wednesday 9th October 2024. The primary aim of the visit was to foster collaborative relationships, discuss potential areas of cooperation, and further strengthen the alternative dispute resolution drive within the upstream petroleum sector.

The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, Ph.D. led the NCC-DRC team which had the Registrar General of the Center, Mrs. Hauwa Kaka Usman, Assistant Registrar of the Center, Mr. Edim Effiong Edim and the Chairman of ACCI’s Law and Development Trade Group, Mr. Ezenwa Anumnu.
Chief Obegolu congratulated the leadership of NUPRC on their recent establishment of a dispute resolution center within the commission, and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the commission. Highlighting the importance of a quality, efficient, and effective dispute resolution in fostering a stable investment environment in the oil and gas sector, the president stressed the need for the strengthening of relationships between the centers, to facilitate a culture of collaboration and dispute resolution in the petroleum industry.

The Executive Secretary of the NUPRC, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe who was represented by the Commission Secretary and Legal Adviser, Ms.Olayemi Anyanechi welcomed the NCC-DRC delegation and expressed delight in the visit. She provided a comprehensive overview of the commission’s operations and challenges faced in the execution of its mandate, especially as it affects the disputes prevalent in the sector. She noted that the challenges faced by the commission in terms of the high cost and protracted nature of the litigated cases amongst other things necessitated the establishment of the NUPRC Alternative Dispute Resolution Center.
She stated that the visit was the beginning of greater collaboration between the ACCI and NUPRC especially in the area of exploring training opportunities for NUPRC’s Dispute Resolution Officers and others. Other members of the NUPRC team included the Director of the NUPRC Dispute Resolution Center, Mr. Austin Okwah, the Manager of International Relations, Public Affairs and CC, Eyoanwan Ndiyo-Aiyetan and other top Management team of the Commission.
The courtesy visit ended with a mutual commitment to enhance cooperation and improve dispute resolution mechanisms in the upstream petroleum sector. Both the NCC-DRC and NUPRC acknowledged the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration to effectively address the unique and complex disputes faced by the industry.