BY SAM OTUONYE
In a significant step towards fostering digital transformation in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry, senior officials from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) made a formal visit to the headquarters of Infosys in Bengaluru, India, for a collaboration in technology and efficiency.
Infosys a global leader in information system technology with about three hundred and twenty thousand employees and about USD18.6 billion annual turnover provides support and services to the major oil companies, national oil companies and service companies in the petroleum sector as well as other sectors such as aviation, finance and so on, globally.
According to a press statement from the Public Affairs unit of the Commission, the delegation, led by the Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Engr Gbenga Komolafe, was focused on exploring how Infosys’ cutting-edge technological solutions could support the Commission in achieving its regulatory mandate under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Central to the discussions, the statement noted were strategies to digitalise and automate key regulatory processes, streamline hydrocarbon accounting, and ultimately plug revenue leakages to enhance government revenues.
“Highlight of the visit was the strategic meeting between the NUPRC Chief Executive and Mr. Nandan Nilekani, the Chairman of Infosys. Both leaders shared common vision of leveraging technology to drive transparency, efficiency and accountability in the petroleum sector.
“The NUPRC Chief Executive articulated a clear vision of how digital solutions could revolutionise hydrocarbon management, ensuring accurate accounting and regulatory oversight.
“Nilekani, renowned for his role in India’s digital transformation, expressed his alignment with the vision, offering Infosys’ expertise in automation and data-driven solutions to support NUPRC’s goals.
“The visit marked the beginning of a potential partnership aimed at modernising the Nigerian upstream petroleum sector, with Infosys positioned to provide cutting-edge solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by the NUPRC.
“Both parties are committed to exploring further collaborations to enhance regulatory efficiency, boost revenues, and establish Nigeria as a global leader in petroleum resource management,” the statement concluded.