Th e Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has concluded plans to commence online licensing and renewal of operating licences for fuel dealers in Bayelsa State. Operations Controller, DPR in Yenagoa, Mr Asuquo Antai, said the fi rm is working hard to ensure that the platform is unveiled in the coming days. Antai, who said that the public would soon be sensitised on the platform, added that the platform would run concurrently with the manual system for eight weeks after which it would be suspended. According to him, the application module has been integrated into the DPR website to enable potential licence seekers upload required documents for verifi cation.
Antai explained that the aim was to reduce human interface, eliminate corruption in the licensing process for fuel outlets. “Th e online application process is part of eff orts to fully automate operations in the downstream sector of the oil industry for improved effi ciency and faster service delivery and transparency. Applicants for issuance and renewal of operating licences do not need to visit DPR offi ce or meet anyone. Th ey can in the comfort of their locations visit the DPR website, create a profi le and upload the required documents. “We have also emphasized to the stakeholders that all communication with DPR is by email and the need to have functional email addresses. “Immediately the application and documents are uploaded, they are verifi ed by our staff and a site visit is scheduled immediately. If the application is successful, the licence is sent online back to the applicant to print out,” Antai said.
