DPR automates downstream operations for transparency

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has unveiled its digitization initiative for downstream operations as part of measures to improve efficiency, regulatory functions and transparency.

Designed under the ‘Automated Downstream System’ (ADS) program, the digitization is expected to improve overall efficiency and accelerate regulatory performance by reducing application processing time, enhance transparency, provide platform for accurate downstream statistics, integrate with other stakeholders for document verification purposes and improve revenue collection.

According to the DPR, the ADS is in line with its alignment with government’s ease of doing business policy which is geared towards economic growth.

The initiative comprises amongst others, the following licences and permits: Retail Outlet Monitoring (ROMS) license for kerosene peddlers, Retail stations and industrial consumers; Import/Export Permit (IMPEX) for Petroleum products; Coastal Vessel Licence (CVL); Lube Oil Blending Plant Licence (LOBL); Depot Licence (DL); and Refining Processing Licence (RPL)

With the automated downstream system in place, the DPR says it no longer accepts manual processing of Downstream applications as all Applications for license and permits have been migrated to digital platforms.

“Applicants are therefore expected to visit the Electronic license and Permit System (ELPS) portal on our website( www.dpr.gov.ng) to create a profile and apply for permit as well as other functions.

“The department has also introduced the Smart Inspector solution to ease technical inspection, real-time data gathering and monitoring of oil and gas facilities to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

“These digitization initiatives of the DPR are integrated into the Corporate Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application system which is the platform for our business system automation.

“DPR will continue to provide robust regulatory oversight for the oil and gas industry in Nigeria in furtherance of its vision to be a leading Regulator in the global oil and gas space”, it added.