The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) was established to oversee exploration and importation as well as safety and other regulations of petroleum products. DPR was established under the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources(FMPR). The Department of Petroleum Resources is headed by a director.

History of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR)

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) was established in Lagos as a HydroCarbon Section under the Ministry of Lagos Affairs. However in 1970, the activities of Hydrocarbon section was expanded and the name Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) was carved out. in the Ministry of Mines and Power.

In 1971, The Nigerian National Oil Corporation (NNOC) was established to handle direct commercial operation of the oil industry while the DPR maintained statutory supervision a n d control of the industry.

In 1975, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) was upgraded to Ministry of Petroleum and Energy which was later renamed the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

In 1977, DPR and NNOC was merged to establish the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

In 1985, Ministry of Petroleum was re-established but DPR remained under NNPC till 1988 when NNPC was reorganized.

Functions of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR)

1. DPR is responsible for the regulation of oil and gas activities in Nigeria
2. Conserve the Hydrocarbon resources in Nigeria
3. Ensure that the government optimize take on oil and gas
4. Ensure that the health safety and environmental (HSE) standard is complied with
5. Maintain and administer National Data Repository (NDR)
6. Administer Oil and Gas  acreages and concessions
7. Implement government policies on Upstream Oil and Gas matters.