DPR completes automation of downstream operations

In line with contemporary developments in the global oil and gas industry, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has launched its digitization initiative for Downstream operations under the ‘AUTOMATED DOWNSTREAM SYSTEM’ (ADS) program.

The digitization initiative is designed to improve overall efficiency and accelerate DPR Downstream 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 an official statement, the ADS is in line with DPR’s alignment with government’s ease of doing business policy which is geared towards economic growth.

The statement, which was cited by M&P Nigeria sated that major regulatory processes, licenses and permits covered by the automation initiative include; Retail Outlet Monitoring (ROMS) license for kerosene peddlers, Retail stations and industrial consumers, Import/Export Permit (IMPEX) for Petroleum products; Coastal Vessel License (CVL); Lube Oil Blending Plant License (LOBL); Depot License (DL) and Refining Processing License (RPL). 

With the Automated Downstream System in place, the DPR will longer accept manual processing of Downstream applications as all Applications for license and permits have been migrated to digital platforms.

The statement further directed Applicants to visit the Electronic license and Permit System (ELPS) portal on the Agency’s website and follow the six-step instruction to apply for licenses of permits required. 

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 its 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'” the statement concluded.