The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva says the construction of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) headquarters is another milestone in infrastructure development by the Federal Government.
Sylva made this known at the ground breaking and foundation laying ceremony of DPR Corporate Headquarters, in Abuja, on Thursday.
“The construction of this building tagged: ‘The Barrel” ‘is yet another milestone achievement by President Muhammadu Buhari in the area of infrastructure development and its commitment to reposition the oil and gas sector for effective service delivery.
“DPR as a critical agency of government. Regulates, monitors activities of the Nigerian oil and gas industry which drives all other sectors of the economy,” he said
He said the edifice, when completed would provide a conducive environment to support oil and gas businesses across the value chain for operators, service providers, investors, international collaborators among others.
According to him, the design of the building reflects an innovative and timeless architecture that honours the Abuja Central Business District landscape.
He further noted that the project would be completed in 24 months.
In his remarks, Mr Sarki Auwalu, the Director and Chief Executive Officer of DPR said that the organisation would continue to work hard to defend the confidence bestowed on it in the industry.
“As a Department, we will continue to justify the confidence reposed in us by government.
“ Rest assured that this building will support DPR’s commitment to enabling businesses and creating opportunities for the industry to thrive, using our robust regulatory framework and service instrument,’’ he said
According to him, the choice of locating the headquarters in Abuja is to ensure the centrality of the regulatory work of the DPR.
“DPR is the DPR of 21st century, a century we use big data and artificial intelligence. Our work requires data to enhance and maximise revenue for our country.
“Those things that are available to us especially IT facilities are exactly what the building represents, we make it a 21st Century building where by technology will rule and we will use intelligence to make our country proud.
“Establishing the headquarters in Abuja is the best for the sector, because the entire DPR stakeholders that need to work closely with the department are in Abuja, while the operations are in the field,’’ he said
He noted that the country currently looking for petroleum resources all over the nation with already 7 existing basins which would be better managed from the central point.
Also, Dr Lars Richter, Managing Director Julius Berger Nigeria said that the building would be completed within the time frame.
He noted that the building upon completion would represent a world-class building that would meet the global standard.
According to him, Julius Berger has a great record in infrastructure development in Nigeria since 1965.
“The building has office facilities, auditorium, clinic, restaurant, energy house among others, we will deliver the project within the timeframe,’’ he assured.
