Energy Activists Oppose Proposed Commission for Decommissioning Oil, Gas Installations

Energy sector advocates have expressed opposition to the proposed National Commission for the Decommissioning of Oil and Gas Installations (NC-DOGI) Bill, 2024, urging lawmakers to consolidate existing reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) rather than create new regulatory bodies. At a peaceful demonstration in Abuja, members of the Energy Reforms Advocates of Nigeria (ERAN) […]

Energy sector advocates have expressed opposition to the proposed National Commission for the Decommissioning of Oil and Gas Installations (NC-DOGI) Bill, 2024, urging lawmakers to consolidate existing reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) rather than create new regulatory bodies.

At a peaceful demonstration in Abuja, members of the Energy Reforms Advocates of Nigeria (ERAN) carried placards and called for the withdrawal of the bill, which they said could duplicate the roles of existing agencies.

Speaking at a press conference, ERAN Executive Director, Comrade Abba Henry, said the functions outlined in the proposed legislation are already being handled by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

According to him, both agencies have the technical capacity and legal frameworks to manage the decommissioning of oil and gas installations nationwide.

“We believe the current regulatory structure can effectively handle decommissioning activities without the need for a new commission,” he said.

Henry added that the focus should be on strengthening existing institutions and ensuring the full implementation of the PIA, which was signed into law four years ago.

“The Petroleum Industry Act was designed to streamline regulation, improve efficiency, and attract investment. It is important to allow the law to take full effect,” he noted.

ERAN called for broader consultations with stakeholders across the energy value chain before any new institutional framework is introduced.

The group also announced plans to engage with the National Assembly, host public forums, and submit position papers outlining its recommendations for a more coordinated decommissioning process.

“We are ready to work with policymakers to achieve an efficient, transparent, and environmentally responsible decommissioning regime,” Henry said.

He appealed to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives to prioritize policies that strengthen existing institutions and promote long-term energy sector stability.