The Nation Newspaper

Category: Energy

  • Africa must scale up energy supply quickly, says Transcorp CEO

    Africa must scale up energy supply quickly, says Transcorp CEO

    A call for Africa’s inclusion on energy access received a boost at the ongoing 9th Edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII9) where Transcorp’s President/Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Owen D. Omogiafo, spoke on the evolving nature of the global “Energy Trilemma” during a high-level plenary session.

    The discussion at the annual forum hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focused on the imperative of maintaining energy security to power economic growth, including the AI revolution, while ensuring a sustainable energy future.

    Omogiafo, who spoke alongside global energy leaders across Europe, the United States, the Middle East and Asia, on the topic: “Board of Changemakers: The Energy Trilemma,” said Africa needs to improve its energy supply, and quickly too.

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    “I am from Nigeria, and my company is driving energy transformation. What we are looking at is not so much about whether we are transiting; it is creating greater access to energy for all. The gap is huge, and we all need to be conscious of it in energy conversations,” she said, highlighting Africa’s energy deficiency challenge.

    “It will interest you to know that about 70 or 80 per cent of people with no access to electricity are in Africa, which is very disturbing, I believe. Today, the world is concerned about immigration. The people who are migrating are not migrating because they hate their homes, or because they hate their families, but because they feel they have to.”

    Owen reiterated to the audience that Africa’s priority remains “increasing the access to power and driving greater inclusion.” She said: “Affordability is right up there, and I will also tell you, the numbers we run in Nigeria, renewable is not cheaper for us.

    “The only renewable that today is cheaper is the hydro and that’s because it’s been made a long time ago, the investment is already there, we have got the water but when I look at the statistics of my country Nigeria, just 12% of the power that goes to the grid comes from hydro, the remaining is from fossil, gas fired powered plants.”

    Reflecting on the panel, Owen affirmed that “It is not either-or; we (Africa) do need to expand access, leveraging technologies including off-grid and mini grid sources to ensure that the Continent that has the largest number of young people in the world, is included in the energy solutions, with industrialisation at the core of it.”

    She emphasised that for Africa, the solution must be pragmatic and inclusive. We must secure affordable power today to drive the development that will enable the sustainable energy systems of tomorrow.

  • Students urge Tinubu to prioritise local refining, allocate 100% crude supply to Dangote Refinery

    Students urge Tinubu to prioritise local refining, allocate 100% crude supply to Dangote Refinery

    The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise local refining and allocate 100 percent of the nation’s crude oil supply to the Dangote Refinery to enable full-scale production and self-sufficiency in fuel supply.

    The students, armed with various placards and banners, made the call during a peaceful protest on Wednesday from the Millennium park to the Unity Fountain, as security agents did not allow the protesters storm the National Assembly as earlier scheduled.

    Addressing newsmen, President of NAPS, Comrade Eshiofune Oghayan described the Dangote Refinery as “a root that has given life to a decaying tree,” symbolising hope for Nigeria’s long-awaited industrial revival.

    According to him, Dangote Refinery was a symbol of Africa’s industrial power and a cornerstone for Nigeria’s ambition to become the refining hub of the continent.

    He said: “For decades, our nation lived under the shadow of dependency, we were exporters of crude and importers of survival. But today, we have found pride again in an African-built refinery, one that can restore Nigeria’s economic independence.”

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    Reaffirming their confidence in the Tinubu led administration, the students while praising the President’s investments in education and youth empowerment initiatives, noted that Tinubu “understands the suffering of the common man and the Nigerian student, that is why we believe he will listen to our appeal.

    “The Nigerian government should please approve 100% crude oil allocation to Dangote refinery let us refine our destiny at home. When we feed this refinery fully, it will produce more barrel, flood the market supply, decrease the price of fuel and stabilize our economy.

    “We are appealing to the federal government and relevant agencies to prioritize local refined products. Nigerians, we want you to be reassured, Dangote has come to help you and the people that are coming to sabotage this effort are feeding fat on our national failure.”

    While commending Dangote for his bold investment in the energy sector, the students urged President Tinubu to take decisive action including the scrapping of anti-development elements within the oil and gas sector who they claim were frustrating national progress.

    “For over 30 years, the nation’s refineries in Kaduna, Port Harcourt, and Warri were dead. These same groups did nothing. But now that one man has chosen to rebuild our dream, they have risen against him.”

    The students called on their peers across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of technology to defend and promote homegrown innovation.

    “The soul of a nation is not measured by the size of its GDP, but by the strength of its will. When the youth rise to defend productivity, the nation itself will stand tall.”

  • Market Economics: The Responsibility of Nigerian Regulators in Preventing a Dangote Refinery Monopoly

    Market Economics: The Responsibility of Nigerian Regulators in Preventing a Dangote Refinery Monopoly

    It is crucial to start this by acknowledging the importance of Dangote Refinery as a turning point in Nigeria’s oil and gas downstream sector. For nearly 40 years, the country has relied on imports to meet its energy needs, even though Nigeria is a major crude oil producer and the government has built three refineries.

    This situation has caused a lot of contention for the country, including the introduction of fuel subsidies to provide a cushion for impoverished citizens in the country at the mercy of international markets.

    The completion of the $20 billion Dangote Refinery is a monumental achievement. With a projected capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, it is the largest single-train refinery in the world and a symbol of industrial ambition with the potential to change the lives of Nigerians for the better or worse.

    The Dangote Refinery can become a catalyst for healthy competition, accelerating the development of the downstream sector, or a monopolistic force that stifles competition, dictates prices, and undermines the broader goals of economic inclusion. The direction the refinery takes will be decided by the actions of Nigeria’s regulatory agencies.

     The Promise and the Peril

    The Dangote Refinery promises to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape. We can already see the added benefits of local production in the stabilisation of the naira against the dollar as the country saves billions in foreign exchange and reduces its reliance on imported refined petroleum products. But, there have also been concerns about how the Dangote Refinery, which, despite its scale, intends to achieve vertical integration, will stay profitable without artificial market dominance.

    Moves made in the company’s first year of operations suggest the Dangote Refinery is looking to replicate its attempts at a forced monopoly in other sectors in the downstream oil and gas sector. The refinery has already sought to disrupt the complex logistical network that ensures petroleum reaches final consumers by introducing a ‘free’ delivery service targeting major retailers, in a bid to incentivise them to ditch their long-term relationships with importers and depots and to buy products exclusively from the refinery. Industry stakeholders have condemned this move as predatory.

    The Dangote Refinery has also been accused of abruptly lowering ex-depot petroleum prices and bearing the cost differential to undercut importers who cannot bear the losses incurred by this tactic. Already, many major importers and depots have been forced to shutter their businesses or risk bankruptcy. When challenged on the integrity of its tactics, the Dangote Refinery has defended its actions as healthy market competition.

    A monopoly, even one born from private investment and innovation, can distort markets. It can lead to price manipulation, limit consumer choice, and create barriers for new entrants. In the absence of robust regulatory oversight, the very infrastructure meant to empower the economy could end up concentrating power in the hands of a few.

    The Mandate of Regulators

    Nigeria’s regulatory bodies, particularly the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), have a constitutional and moral obligation to safeguard the principles of fair competition.

    It is their responsibility to ensure transparency in all business practices, monitor market behaviour and intervene when predatory actions are taken against competitors or consumers, even when they are ‘legal’. They must also enforce anti-trust laws and deter larger corporations from engaging in anti-competitive practices that marginalise smaller marketers. But most importantly, it is their responsibility to provide a favourable environment for new entrants into the downstream sector, and by doing so, ensure the energy sector remains resilient and dynamic.

    The Dangote Group is only as big and successful as it is today because regulatory agencies ensured indigenous entrepreneurs were protected from monopolistic manoeuvres from international competitors. The same consideration must now be extended to other players in the energy sector to balance industrial ambition and market fairness. The Dangote Refinery represents a significant advancement towards self-sufficiency, but that doesn’t exempt it from the same standards of accountability that any other market participant must adhere to.

    A Delicate Balance

    Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The emergence of the Dangote Refinery offers a rare opportunity to redefine the country’s energy future. The refinery may be privately owned, but the market it operates in belongs to the people.

    The future of the energy sector is the responsibility of the agencies tasked with ensuring that Nigerians reap the benefits of deregulation and that companies maximise the opportunities a free market offers Nigerian entrepreneurs. If local regulators rise to the occasion, they can ensure that this refinery becomes a cornerstone of shared prosperity, not a symbol of concentrated power.

    Olatunde Adebanjo, lawyer and real estate advisor based in Lagos, writes on the intersection of law, real estate, and public policy.

  • Energy supply to 11 DisCos soars to 4,871MW

    Energy supply to 11 DisCos soars to 4,871MW

    The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has said energy sent out to the 11 electricity Distribution Companies ( DisCos) rose to 4,871MW on Monday 27th October, 2025 from 4,783MW of Sunday, 26th October, 2025.

    This was made known in the Grid Performance Dashboard of the NISO.

    Similarly, the document said total energy generated rose to 4,923MW on 27th October, 2025 from 4,783MW of 26th October, 2025.

    Meanwhile, as at 16:00 hour on 28th October, 2025, NISO sent out 4,783MW to the 11 DisCos.

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    According to the load distribution profile of the NISO, 732MW was allocated to Abuja DisCo while 390MW was sent to Benin DisCo.

    The document said Eko DisCo got 613MW as Enugu DisCo got 372MW and Ibadan DisCo received 573MW.

    NISO added that Ikeja DisCo got 732MW, Jos DisCo 270MW as Kaduna received 309MW.
    Kano, said the document, received 321MW, Port Harcourt DisCo got 339MW as Yola DisCo got 139MW.

    At 16:00 hours on 28th October, 2025 energy generated by 16 plants was N3,141.58MW.

  • Nestoil group clarifies recent reports, reaffirms operational stability

    Nestoil group clarifies recent reports, reaffirms operational stability

    The Nestoil Group has addressed recent media reports regarding certain enforcement actions and the status of its corporate assets. 

    The company has assured stakeholders, partners, and the general public that the matter in question is purely commercial, currently before competent courts, and being handled through appropriate legal and regulatory channels.

    According to the statement by its Corporate Communications Department (CCD), the Group said it is fully aware of the reports circulating in sections of the media and has maintained open and constructive engagement with all relevant authorities and financial partners. 

    Nestoil reaffirmed that these engagements are progressing positively and expressed confidence that the processes underway will culminate in a fair and lasting resolution that reflects its long-standing commitment to integrity, compliance, and accountability.

    Emphasising its operational stability, the company stated that all its business lines remain active and unaffected by the current situation. 

    “Nestoil remains fully operational across all business lines. Our subsidiaries, projects, and commitments in the oil, gas, power, and infrastructure sectors continue without disruption. Proactive measures have been implemented to protect our workforce, sustain operations, and uphold our obligations to clients and partners,” the statement noted.

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    Reiterating the Group’s corporate ethos, the release underscored that Nestoil’s identity is built on a legacy of resilience, professionalism, and service to national development. For over three decades, Nestoil has stood at the forefront of Nigeria’s indigenous participation in the energy and infrastructure sectors, pioneering complex engineering projects and contributing significantly to the country’s industrial growth.

    “We remain guided by our core values of resilience, integrity, and transparency, and will continue to conduct our business with professionalism and respect for the rule of law. These values define who we are and serve as a constant anchor through every challenge and opportunity we face,” the Group stated.

    Nestoil also moved to reassure its stakeholders that it remains financially sound and strategically focused despite recent reports. The Group reiterated its unwavering confidence in Nigeria’s institutions and the rule of law, noting that it will continue to engage with all stakeholders in good faith and in accordance with due process.

     The statement called for responsible reporting and public restraint, urging the media and general public to rely only on verified information issued directly by Nestoil Group. 

    It pledged that the company would continue to provide timely updates as appropriate, in the spirit of transparency and accountability.

    The Group reassured its stakeholders, partners, and the wider public that it remains strong and stable, adding: “We understand the concerns that recent reports may have generated and wish to assure all stakeholders that Nestoil Group remains financially strong, operationally stable, and strategically focused.

    “We will continue to provide updates as appropriate and urge the public and media to rely solely on verified communications issued directly by the Group.”

  • NDCA hails NUPRC at four, commends Komolafe’s transformative leadership

    NDCA hails NUPRC at four, commends Komolafe’s transformative leadership

    The Niger Delta Citizens Alliance (NDCA) has commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its transformative achievements in improving the welfare of host communities across the oil-producing region over the past four years.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday in Port Harcourt by its President, Kingsley Charles, and Secretary-General, Ogbobetta Nelli, the group said the Commission, under the leadership of Gbenga Komolafe, has given new meaning to resource justice through the transparent implementation of the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs).

    “For decades, oil-producing communities were left with promises that never translated into tangible progress. But since the creation of NUPRC in 2021, and under Engr. Komolafe’s stewardship, we have witnessed a genuine transformation. The Host Community Development Trust has restored hope by ensuring that oil wealth is finally reaching the people,” the statement read.

    The group praised the Commission’s supervision of the ₦373 billion Host Community Development Fund and the over 500 ongoing projects across the Niger Delta, describing it as “the most inclusive community intervention in Nigeria’s oil history.”

    “These projects are not political billboards; they are real. From hospitals and schools in Rivers and Bayelsa to water projects and skill centres in Delta and Akwa Ibom, the impact is visible. NUPRC has bridged the gap between communities and corporations, replacing years of conflict with structured collaboration and accountability,” the group noted.

    According to NDCA, the digital HostComply dashboard introduced by NUPRC has ensured that community funds are tracked transparently, preventing diversion and guaranteeing that every naira is tied to measurable outcomes.

    “Through technology, the Commission has empowered host communities to take ownership of their development. For the first time, people can monitor how funds are used and what projects are delivered. This level of openness has drastically reduced community tensions and fostered trust between oil operators and residents,” the statement added.

    The NDCA also lauded the Commission’s policy mandating that project execution prioritises local labour and suppliers, noting that it has created thousands of jobs for young people across host communities in the region.

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    “This model of development is what the Niger Delta has always demanded; a process where the people are participants, not spectators. The success of the Host Community Trust is a testament to what visionary leadership can achieve when transparency meets compassion,” the statement added.

    The group also urged oil companies operating in the Niger Delta to remain faithful to their statutory obligations under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), particularly the three percent annual contribution to the Host Community Development Trust Fund.

    It said sustained compliance by operators would ensure the continuity of critical infrastructure projects, deepen trust with host communities, and consolidate the gains already recorded under NUPRC’s supervision.

    The group congratulated NUPRC on its fourth anniversary, describing it as a new era of fairness, inclusion, and shared prosperity in the oil-rich region.

  • NNPCL renews commitment to robust downstream infrastructural development

    NNPCL renews commitment to robust downstream infrastructural development

    The NNPC Ltd has reiterated commitment to the development and revamping of downstream across the country to enhance collaboration and drive efficiency in the sector. 

    Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bayo Ojulari, stated this at the opening ceremony of the 2025 OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week in Lagos on Monday. 

    A statement by NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Andy Odeh explained the  conference’s theme was “Energy Sustainability: Beyond Boundaries & Competition”. 

    Ojulari said competition alone was no longer enough to drive efficiency, adding that operators must embrace collaboration, sustainability, and resilience as the new benchmarks for success.

    “At NNPC, we are committed to deploying additional infrastructure across the oil and gas value chain while revamping our existing downstream infrastructure nationwide. These assets will be accessible to partners seeking to store and transport products, supporting strategic alliances and collaboration in the downstream sector,” the GCEO said.  

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    He disclosed that a cocktail of factors ranging from strategic policies and fiscal incentives to transparent and well-structured regulatory frameworks exemplified by the PIA have engendered expansion and growth in the sector requiring new skill sets and further investments in new lines of business such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and mini-LNG projects.

    He urged participants at the conference to discuss challenges and align on opportunities “to redefine energy systems in ways that are both profitable and sustainable, to forge cross-sector partnerships that transcend traditional competition, and to explore innovative business models and technologies that support decarbonization while driving economic value”.

    The OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week is the continent’s leading downstream and midstream energy event for international organizations, policy makers, regulators, development organisations, operators, service providers, and consumers in the downstream energy value-chain. 

  • ECN DG signs €100M clean energy investment deal with UNIDACO in London

    ECN DG signs €100M clean energy investment deal with UNIDACO in London

    The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, has led the signing of a landmark €100 million clean energy investment deal with UNIDACO Limited, London, aimed at advancing Nigeria’s transition to sustainable energy solutions.

    The historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Saturday at the prestigious House of Lords, London, during the Renewed Hope Global Dialogue (UK Edition), a high-level international forum promoting Nigeria’s global partnerships and investment opportunities.

    The agreement marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s clean energy journey and reaffirms the ECN’s commitment to expanding renewable energy access, driving innovation, and strengthening the nation’s capacity to harness sustainable technologies.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi stated: “This partnership is a clear demonstration of our readiness to collaborate with credible international partners in accelerating Nigeria’s clean energy transition. It aligns perfectly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes sustainable energy solutions as a catalyst for economic growth, industrialization, and national prosperity.”

    Also speaking, Amb. Joseph Adebola, Global Chairman of Renewed Hope Global, described the signing as a symbol of renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s energy sector.

    “This MoU reflects Nigeria’s seriousness about energy diversification and sends a strong message to global investors that the country is open for business and committed to innovation-driven growth,” he said.

    Lead organiser of the event. Prince Ade Omole, applauded the ECN’s leadership for its proactive engagement and alignment with the Renewed Hope vision.

    “The Renewed Hope Global Tour continues to deliver tangible results. This €100 million clean energy investment is proof that President Tinubu’s global engagement strategy is working, positioning Nigeria as a destination of choice for serious investors. Truly, Nigeria is open for business,” Omole affirmed.

    The event drew members of the British establishment, investors, and stakeholders from Nigeria and around the world, further cementing Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s renewable energy revolution.

  • Why Nigeria is best for global mineral Investment

    Why Nigeria is best for global mineral Investment

    Solid Minerals Development Minister Dr Dele Alake has charged investors to increase their stakes in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, following positive reforms that promise higher returns.

    Speaking on the theme “Connect and Collaborate, Co-Build and Co-Share” at this year’s China Mining Conference in Tianjin, Alake impressed his hosts with security reforms, including the Mining Marshals and the satellite mines monitoring project, which were introduced to protect licensed miners and curtail illegal mining.

    He cited upgrades in technology to ease doing business and processing applications, such as the Electronic Mining Cadastre, EMC+, the Nigerian Mineral Resources Decision System, NMRDS, the Centre of Excellence, and the websites of the ministry and agencies, as unique utilities to improve remote transactions globally in Nigeria’s mining sector.

    Reviewing the Chinese mining business, Alake acknowledged that investments in lithium processing alone grossed $1.3 billion since September 2023, adding that MOUs signed by President Bola Tinubu during the state visit in  September 2024 have led to substantial investment commitments.

    His words: “Since September 2023, when this administration assumed office, Chinese companies such as Canmax Technology, Jiuling Lithium, Avatar New Energy Nigeria Company, and Asba have invested over $1.3 billion in lithium processing.

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    “The investments have boosted Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts, reduced its dependency on oil and attracted infrastructure, technology transfer, and expertise. Joint Ventures between Chinese and Nigerian companies in the mining sector often enhance local capabilities and skills among Nigerian workers and engineers.

    Alake, who is the  chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group

    (AMSG), reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening

    continental cooperation in mineral exploration and reporting

    standards, stating that Africa must build shared systems of

    knowledge and governance if it is to fully benefit from its vast

    mineral endowments.

    He reaffirmed plans to strengthen the regional Centres of Excellence in

    Geosciences and Mining Skills, and to expand the role of the Solid

    Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and the SMDF‑AFC Facility in

    supporting early‑stage exploration and de‑risking investments.

    “We warmly invite investors, development partners, and technical institutions to explore Nigeria’s vast opportunities in minerals such as lithium, gold, lead-zinc, barite, and rare earth elements. Our government offers a conducive investment climate, improved security of tenure, and incentives that guarantee mutual benefit.

    “Nigeria’s vision is not only to extract minerals but to build a globally competitive value chain that supports clean energy transition, job creation, and industrial growth, all within the framework of responsible mining,” he said.

    Representing Nigeria in the technical session on “Mining in Africa and

    Policy,” Director‑General, Nigeria Geological Survey Agency, Professor Olusegun Omoniyi Ige highlighted

    The National Mineral Resources Data System (NMRDSS) and Nigeria’s

    extensive aeromagnetic and geochemical datasets, which together

    provide a solid foundation for informed mineral exploration.

    He noted that while these datasets have greatly improved the country’s

    geological understanding, greater investment is still required to

    Expand exploration coverage and convert data into proven mineral resources.

    Other speakers included Mr Xu Xueyi, Deputy Director‑General of the

    China Geological Survey; H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Taha, Minister of

    Minerals of Sudan; Ms Phumzile Mgcina, Deputy Minister of Mineral

    and Petroleum Resources of South Africa; and Mr Joseph Lebbie,

    Director‑General of Geological Exploration, Sierra Leone.

  • WACEPR Hails NUPRC boss Komolafe as LEADERSHIP’s CEO of the Year

    WACEPR Hails NUPRC boss Komolafe as LEADERSHIP’s CEO of the Year

    The West Africa Centre for Energy Policy and Reforms (WACEPR) has congratulated Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), on his emergence as LEADERSHIP Newspaper’s CEO of the Year 2025, describing him as one of Africa’s most visionary and reform-driven energy regulators.

    In a statement issued on Friday by its Executive Director, Dr. Kwabena Mensah-Ashitey, WACEPR said the award was a well-deserved recognition of Komolafe’s transformative leadership in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector, marked by transparency, innovation, and institutional excellence.

    Mensah-Ashitey noted that Komolafe’s leadership had repositioned the NUPRC as a credible model of regulatory excellence, driving reforms that have strengthened investor confidence, boosted revenue generation, and restored integrity to the nation’s upstream governance framework.

    “Engr. Komolafe has transformed what was once a bureaucratic regulator into a dynamic, transparent, and performance-driven institution. His focus on data integrity, technological innovation, and investor engagement has revitalised the sector and shown that effective regulation can drive national prosperity,” the statement read.

    WACEPR further highlighted that under Komolafe’s stewardship, the NUPRC surpassed its 2025 revenue targets by over 80 percent — a feat it described as proof of professional competence and fiscal discipline.

    The Centre added that these achievements stemmed from sound policy implementation and a strong culture of accountability that have redefined upstream petroleum management not only in Nigeria but across the West African sub-region.

    “The regulatory frameworks, transparent licensing processes, and digital monitoring platforms established by NUPRC under Engr. Komolafe have become benchmarks for neighbouring countries. Several regional regulators now look to Nigeria’s model for best practices in upstream governance, investor engagement, and production optimisation,” WACEPR said.

    Mensah-Ashitey further commended Komolafe’s efforts in combating crude oil theft and enforcing compliance through the “Drill or Drop” policy, which has revived dormant fields and boosted national production. He said these initiatives have inspired similar approaches in regional petroleum sectors, promoting transparency and sustainable resource management across West Africa.

    “Engr. Komolafe’s leadership style combines the precision of an engineer and the discipline of a lawyer. Few regulators possess such a rare blend of technical expertise and strategic foresight,” he said.

    The Centre also praised the NUPRC’s community-focused initiatives, including the operationalisation of host community development trusts and the gas flare commercialisation programme, describing them as vital steps toward social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and replicable models for the sub-region.

    WACEPR noted that Komolafe’s contribution extends beyond Nigeria through his role in the Africa Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), where he has championed cross-border collaboration, harmonised standards, and knowledge-sharing across the continent.

    According to WACEPR, Komolafe’s recognition as CEO of the Year symbolises “the triumph of institutional reform, merit, and accountability in Nigeria’s public service” and underscores the influence of Nigeria’s regulatory leadership on the wider West African energy landscape.

    The energy think tank urged other public officials to emulate his model of ethical and visionary leadership that delivers measurable outcomes.

    “With this honour, Nigeria and the sub-region celebrate a technocrat who has redefined the role of public regulators and proved that excellence in governance can be achieved through discipline, competence, and integrity,” the statement added.