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Category: Energy

  • FG urges stakeholders to proffer solution to energy crisis

    FG urges stakeholders to proffer solution to energy crisis

    Arising from its Biannual International Conference in Abuja at the weekend, the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) urged stakeholders to proffer solution to the country’s energy crisis.

    This was contained in the communique the Director of Research and Development, Dr. Tina Isichie issued after the conference. 

    The conference urged the nation to address its energy crisis with a sustainable solution.

    The stakeholders noted that Nigeria is endowed with 207 trillion cubic feet reserves of gas aside from oil reserves that is sufficient to support development.

    She said: “Nigeria has been blessed with natural gas resources (currently a reserve of 207 TCF) in addition to oil. This is enough to support developments by leveraging digitalization, innovation, and technology across the board.

    “It is projected that by the year 2050, Nigeria will be the 3rd most populous country on earth, necessitating an urgent need to think outside the box and proffer sustainable solutions to the country’s energy crisis.”

    Isichie also said considering the government policy of 2020-2030 as the Decade of Gas, the government should speed up CNG investment and ensure all LPG importers set up processing plants in Nigeria so that the commodity will be readily available and at an affordable price.

    According to her, the conference said despite the PIA 2021, persistent issues include under-utilized refineries, capacity gaps in the workforce, and challenges with technology transfer and environmental obligations.

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    It was also recommended that there should be a strong  mandate for all Ministry of Petroleum Resources agencies to partner and collaborate on generating solutions and evolving the required technology for local production issues.

    The conference, according to the communique, emphasised maximizing Nigeria’s 207 TCF gas reserves to drive national development, urging the acceleration of CNG investment and sector liberalization to diversify the economy into agriculture and ICT.

    Isichie said there was a resolution to establish centres of excellence and foster collaboration between industry and academia to build a talented workforce prepared for the energy transition.

    The conference, said the Director, stressed that transparency is the “currency of trust” needed to propel the sector, advocating for domestic participation and leveraging divestment to demonstrate local technical and financial capability.

    The 4th Biennial International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST) was organized by the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in partnership with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (MPR), Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority (NMDPRA), NNPC Academy, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and CypherCrescent Ltd. 

  • PTI embarks on renewable energy research

    PTI embarks on renewable energy research

    Owing to the campaign on net zero emission, Petroleum Training Institute (PTI)  Effurun has in collaboration with relevant agencies embarked on researches on renewable energy.

    But the institute warned that despite the fierce campaign for energy transition, Africa not to abandon its 125 billion barrels crude oil reserves and 600 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) in a hurry.

    According to the Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Onoji, the continent should rather work harder in researches that will lead to the development of local technologies for the exploitation of crude oil in a sustainable way.

    His words: “With an estimated 125 billion barrels of crude oil reserves and over 600tcf of natural gas reserves in Africa, it is our considered opinion that Africa should not hasten to abandon fossil fuel but should strive.

    to deepen research and development of local technologies that enable the exploitation and utilization of our oil and gas endowment in a more environmentally friendly manner as the reality of global demand for fossil fuel is expected to linger for the next 50 years.”

    Onoji spoke yesterday in the world press conference on the 4th Biannual International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (I CHAT) in Abuja.

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    He revealed that PTI is reducing the carbon footprint in different ways, despite the fact that net zero emission as mirage.

     According to him, emission of carbon is always reduced in the production of natural gas with a paltry 7 per cent flared.

    He added that the Research and Development Directorate of the PTI is also developing a technology to assist in the reduction of carbon emission.

    He said one of the measures for de-carbornisation of the hydrocarbon is through the Carbon Credit Mechanism that the institute is adopting.

    Onoji said, “When you are talking about emissions, you are talking about natural gas. Of course, we you produce oil, you also produce natural gas.

    “And part of this natural gas is used in the field, part of it is refined in the Liquefied natural gas. So, it has actually reduced to about less than 7% of natural gas being flared.

    “Of course, in the research and development directorate of the Petroleum Training Institute is also developing technology that will help to reduce this emission.

    “And one of that ways is the carbon credit mechanism that we are also putting in place.”

    Although the Research and Development Director, Dr. Tina Isichie noted that it is a mirage to think of net zero in 2060, PTI is conscious of balancing growth, environment and governance.

    She said the institute is focusing on the production of crude oil in a manner that is not harmful to the environment.

    She said carbon capture utilization and storage is now the global topical conversation.

    According to her, the measure is still a pilot scheme in the laboratory while upscaling it requires a huge amount of money.

    Isichie said PTI is partnering with other relevant agencies to reduce carbon footprint.

    She said taking cognizance of energy transition, the institute is conducting a research on renewable energy.

    Insisting that petroleum cannot be abandoned, she said there are other products from the hydrocarbon aside from fuels.

    On her stand of net zero emission, she said, “The issue of fossil fuel being put aside by 2050 or 2060 is a mirage. And I say that because fossil fuel has come to stay.

    “We also realized that petrochemicals and other things used for other industries do come from the crude. So, it is not just from the crude. So, it is not just about fuel, whether aviation fuel or gasoline or kerosene, there are other aspects that come from crude oil. Even our pharmaceuticals. So you cannot completely abandon them.”

    On the conference, Onoji said the  essence of the conference is to pull together scientists, subject matter experts, researchers, government agencies, academia, students community and top players in the oil, gas and energy industry to examine topical issues with a view to presenting cutting-edge research, sharing field experiences and discussing policies that will shape the future of hydrocarbon in a fast-changing world.

    He also said, “The theme of this year’s conference “Transforming Africa’s Hydrocarbon sector; Balancing Growth, Environment and Governance, according to him, is apt as it aims to provide a holistic future of the oil and gas industry with a view to guiding critical stakeholders towards embracing opportunities, addressing challenges and fostering sustainable development in the ever-dynamic industry.”

    He said the conference will feature key note addresses from both Honorable Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil/Gas), Chief Executive Officers from sister agencies, panel sessions, exhibitions from partners and sponsors, as well as technical paper presentations.

  • Confab to discuss West Africa’s energy future

    Confab to discuss West Africa’s energy future

    The 12th edition of the Nigeria Energy Exhibition and Conference, a foremost West African influential energy event, begins in Lagos on Monday. The three day energy conference will hold at the  Landmark Centre.

    Organised by and held with the endorsement of the Federal Ministry of Power, the event—themed “Powering Nigeria through investment, innovation and partnership”—will bring together thousands of energy professionals, decision-makers, and innovators to tackle Nigeria’s most pressing energy challenges and explore investment-driven solutions across the value chain.

    According to Informa Markets- the event organisers, this year’s edition, now in its 12th  year, will focus on unlocking the capital, policy reforms and technologies needed to build a more reliable and sustainable power sector.

    Speaking at the pre event briefing, the Exhibition Manager, Energy Portfolio – MEA, Informa Markets, Ade Yesufu, emphasised the strategic focus of this year’s theme and its timeliness considering current reforms.

    “The theme reflects the urgent need to address infrastructure gaps, mobilise investment, and accelerate reforms. Nigeria Energy 2025 will provide a platform where stakeholders can align on policies, forge new partnerships, and showcase innovations that can drive the sector forward,” Yesufu said.

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    He noted that the Nigeria Energy conference and exhibition continues to serve as a catalyst for collaboration and deal-making across generation, transmission, distribution, renewables, off-grid systems, and energy efficiency. “With Nigeria facing a critical infrastructure gap, slow-moving reforms, and investment bottlenecks, the 2025 edition seeks to spark actionable conversations around public-private partnerships, regulatory harmonisation, and emerging opportunities in areas like hydrogen, decentralised solar, and grid digitization,” Yesufu explained.

    This year’s conference will feature insight-driven sessions led by industry thought leaders including the Special Adviser to the President on Power Infrastructure, Sadiq Wanka; the Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye; the CEO, Azura Power, Edu Okeke; Vice Chair, Board of Directors, African Energy Council, Dr. Chinnan Dikwal and CEO, Egbin Power Plc, Mokhtar Bounour.

    Yesufu added that the sessions will span five core focus areas: Power Deals & PPPs: Structuring bankable energy infrastructure projects; State Reform Strategies: Unlocking decentralised electricity markets; the Hydrogen Shift: Positioning Nigeria in the future energy economy; Grid Efficiency & Innovation: Advancing reliability through technology and Electricity Act in Action: Milestones, market liberalization.

    With over 8,500 energy professionals, including energy commissioners, developers, regulators, financiers, and technology providers, expected to participate across three days of high-level summits, technical sessions, and interactive exhibitions, stakeholders insist that the Nigeria Energy programme continues to serve as the “go-to” platform for meaningful dialogue, partnerships, and investment opportunities across the energy value chain.

  • Nigeria on track to complete gas fare-out by 2030 – NUPRC

    Nigeria on track to complete gas fare-out by 2030 – NUPRC

    Speaking during the International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology organised by the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) the of NUPRC, the CE of NUPRC, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe said: “Through the NUPRC’s flare gas commercialisation initiatives, the nation is making steady progress toward the Federal Government’s goal of achieving complete flare-out by 2030.”

    He was represented by the commission’s Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services & Administration, Dr Kelechi Onyekachi Ofoegbu. 

     He said Nigeria’s hydrocarbon future should not merely about how many barrels of oil  produced or how much gas can be monetised.

    Read Also: WACEPR congratulates NUPRC chief Komolafe on SERVICOM leadership award

    According to him, it should be on how to  govern the resources in ways that build trust, attract sustainable investment, uplift our people, safeguard the environment, and secure our rightful place in the global shift toward sustainable energy.

    He added that across flare sites in Nigeria, gas that once burned wastefully into the sky is now being positioned for full utilisation to power homes, drive small industries, and provide clean cooking energy for millions. 

    He also said despite Africa having over 125 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and more than 620 trillion cubic feet of gas and Nigeria bestowed with.37.28 billion barrels of oil and 210.54 triion cubic feet of gas, yet more than 600 million people lack access to electricity. 

  • ESG Forum 2025 sets agenda for Africa’s sustainable energy future

    ESG Forum 2025 sets agenda for Africa’s sustainable energy future

    Some of the country’s leading voices in business, finance, and sustainability gathered on Tuesday, October 21, in Lagos for the 2025 Private Sector ESG Forum media launch, a prelude to one of Africa’s landmark sustainability summits. 

    The media launch, which precedes the ESG Masterclass on October 28 and the main forum on October 29, highlighted the forum’s growing role in driving sustainable business transformation, climate resilience, and corporate responsibility. 

    Now in its third year, the forum’s 2025 edition, themed: “Energy Security and Decarbonisation: Bridging the gap for a sustainable future,” the organisers said, will underscore the urgent need for Africa to collectively design a transition model that reflects its unique realities, one that tackles energy poverty while advancing environmental responsibility and economic inclusion.

    Chairperson of the ESG Forum Technical Committee and External Affairs Director, BAT West and Central Africa, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, articulated the central dilemma of Africa’s sustainability journey: how to power development without compromising the environment. 

    “Africa must not merely import global sustainability standards; we must define our own context. Our conversation is not just about reducing emissions, it is about expanding opportunity. We must begin to look for solutions that work for us; solutions that ensure energy fuels factories, lights homes, and sustains livelihoods,” she said.

    Erewa-Meggison emphasised that the Forum aims to play a key role as a rallying point for action, anchored on collaboration between private sector actors, policymakers, and financiers. She noted that the transition must be pragmatic, ensuring equity for communities and industries that still struggle with basic access to power. 

    “The transition is not only about what we stop doing, but what we build in its place: innovation, local capacity, and inclusive progress,” she concluded.

    Read Also: Forum of retired oil workers hails NUPRC’s bold reforms, rising output under Komolafe

    From the financial sector, Head of Risk and Capital Management at Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Tosin Leye-Odeyemi, offered a candid assessment of the financing landscape for sustainability. 

    “Transition financing is not a buzzword; it is the backbone of implementation. We must de-risk sustainability investments and build blended finance structures that attract both public and private capital. If we want transformation, we must build financial systems that reward responsibility and long-term value creation,” she noted.

    Leye-Odeyemi stressed that unlocking climate finance requires a clear link between sustainability outcomes and financial returns, urging the private sector to innovate around green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and capital markets instruments that reflect Africa’s development priorities.

    Bringing the agribusiness perspective, Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at TGI Group, Yosola Onanuga, explored the intersection of food, energy, and climate resilience. “Food security and energy security are inseparable. By integrating renewable energy into agricultural production and processing, agribusinesses can lower costs, reduce emissions, and build resilience for communities most vulnerable to climate shocks.”

    Head of Business Communication and Sustainability at BAT West and Central Africa, Halimat Shuaibu, reflected on the broader purpose of the ESG Forum: to move Africa from conversation to measurable impact. “This Forum is a collaborative commitment to align profit with purpose, and growth with responsibility,” she said. 

    The 2025 ESG Forum, convened by the ESG Forum Technical Committee and supported by partners including, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, BAT Nigeria, Seplat Energy, NBC and TGI Group, continues to serve as a lighthouse for corporate sustainability in Africa. 

    Through high-level dialogues, expert masterclasses, and innovation showcases, the Forum, the conveners said, is helping redefine how African businesses lead the transition, anchoring the continent’s growth on sustainability, equity, and shared prosperity.

  • NDFFSDA seeks $100billion over damage on Niger Delta ecosystem by IOCs

    NDFFSDA seeks $100billion over damage on Niger Delta ecosystem by IOCs

    The Federal Government has been asked to compel international oil companies (IOCs) to pay $100billion to oil-bearing communities in the Niger Delta for the many years of damage done on the region’s ecosystem.

    Niger Delta Farmers, Fishermen/Seafood Dealers Association (NDFFSDA) made the demand at the weekend in a statement by its national President, Imoh Okoko and secretary,  Sunny Eleas.

    The NDFFSDA said that the operations of the oil companies have caused frequent oil spills, black soot, acid rain, gas flaring among others which adversely impact on the communities leading to loss of livelihoods and even deaths.

    The statement added that fisherman, seafood dealers and farmers have also suffered terrible loses and deaths in the course of the fishing in the waters of the region.

    The statement reads in parts: “It has become pertinent to bring to your attention the fact that the ongoing oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta region are repeatedly causing severe damage to our fishing nets, hooks, boots, and other essential fishing equipment. 

    “The continuous destruction of our equipment by the movement of their (IOC’s) heavy sea moving machines/equipment, eg oil vessels, surveillance boots, etc,  is causing immense economic loss to members of our Association, as we depend solely on these tools for our daily sustenance and income.

    “The massive loss of lives and livelihood and avoidable accidents at sea are preventable and we strongly advocate that measures be put in place to ensure same so as to promote a sustainable environment for positive development in the sectors.

    “These accidents variously occurred in the years 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023, and the most recent incident occurred in 2024. These tragic incidents have not only taken away valuable lives but have left families in distress, with no compensation or recognition from either the Companies or the relevant supervisory authorities.

    “In light of the above, we respectfully call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to work out the payment is $100 billion to oil producing communities in the Niger Delta region as compensation for years of oil exploration and exploitation.

    “This has led to irreversible damages to the livelihood and ecosystem in the region; this compensation would douse raging tensions and hopelessness that people in the region going through and feeling.

    “This fund is needed urgently and saliently to specifically address the rapid provision of health facilities, replenishment of floundering rare animals, plants and fish species; which have been devastated for the past 65 years. 

    “We also support the call that the above demanded compensation be paid into a special account, to be administered by oil-producing states in collaboration with local and international environmental groups with focus on provision of health facilities, women empowerment, education and reviving fishing and agriculture in the region”.

  • PTI cautions Africa on abandoning 125bb crude oil reserves

    PTI cautions Africa on abandoning 125bb crude oil reserves

    The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI)  Effurun has warned Africa not to abandon its 125 billion barrels crude oil reserves and 600 Trillion Cubic Feet (TCF) in a hurry.

    According to the Principal and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Onoji, the continent should rather work harder on researches that will lead to the development of local technologies for the exploitation of crude oil in a sustainable way.

    His words: “With an estimated 125 billion barrels of crude oil reserves and over 600tcf of natural gas reserves in Africa, it is our considered opinion that Africa should not hasten to abandon fossil fuel but should strive to deepen research and development of local technologies that enable the exploitation and utilization of our oil and gas endowment in a more environmentally friendly manner as the reality of global demand for fossil fuel is expected to linger for the next 50 years.”

    Onoji spoke at a world press conference on the 4th Biannual International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (I CHAT) in Abuja. 

    He claimed PTI is reducing the carbon footprint in different ways, despite the fact that net zero emission as mirage.

    According to him, emission of carbon is always reduced in the production of natural gas with a paltry 7 per cent flared.

    He added that the Research and Development Directorate of the PTI is also developing a technology to assist in the reduction of carbon emission.

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    He said one of the measures for de-carbornisation of the hydrocarbon is through the Carbon Credit Mechanism that the institute is adopting.

    Onoji said: “When you are talking about emissions, you are talking about natural gas. Of course, we you produce oil, you also produce natural gas. 

    “And part of this natural gas is used in the field, part of it is refined in the Liquefied natural gas. So, it has actually reduced to about less than 7% of natural gas being flared. 

    “Of course, in the research and development directorate of the Petroleum Training Institute is also developing technology that will help to reduce this emission. 

    “And one of that ways is the carbon credit mechanism that we are also putting in place.”

  • Forum of retired oil workers hails NUPRC’s bold reforms, rising output under Komolafe

    Forum of retired oil workers hails NUPRC’s bold reforms, rising output under Komolafe

    The Forum of Retired Oil Workers has commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its bold reforms, transparency initiatives, and renewed investor confidence under the leadership of its Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe.

    In a statement on Monday signed by its president, Richard Jackson, the forum described Komolafe’s leadership as “visionary, reform-driven, and deeply aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to reposition the oil and gas sector for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.”

    The group noted that the series of policy initiatives and operational reforms introduced by the NUPRC since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) have revitalised investor trust, boosted production output, and strengthened Nigeria’s position as an attractive energy investment hub in Africa.

    “The Commission’s approach under Engr. Gbenga Komolafe represents a decisive shift from bureaucracy to performance. By focusing on regulatory clarity, transparency, and accountability, the NUPRC has restored credibility to the upstream sector and demonstrated that Nigeria remains open for responsible and profitable investment,” the statement reads.

    The forum noted that the 28 Field Development Plans (FDPs) approved by the Commission in 2025 alone, projected to deliver 600,000 barrels of oil per day and more than 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas daily, underscore a strategic turnaround for the industry.

    “These are not mere figures; they represent renewed life in an industry once bogged down by uncertainty and underinvestment. An additional 1.4 billion barrels of oil and 5.4 trillion cubic feet of gas unlocked in one year shows that the reforms are not cosmetic; they are delivering measurable results,” Jackson added.

    According to the forum, Komolafe’s regulatory model has not only driven production but also attracted significant capital inflows, with over $18 billion in new investment commitments recorded this year. 

    The retired oil workers said this scale of investor response was proof that the Commission’s transparent licensing rounds and fiscal stability measures were being recognised globally.

    “From the 2022 Petroleum Prospecting Licences to the 2024 deep offshore bid round, every process has been transparent and benchmarked to international standards. That is the type of leadership and accountability we had always hoped to see in Nigeria’s oil industry,” the group observed.

    The forum particularly praised the Commission’s collaboration with host communities and its emphasis on decarbonisation and energy transition through measurable frameworks that balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.

    “Komolafe has brought a pragmatic approach to energy transition; one that recognises the need for cleaner energy while protecting Nigeria’s economic stability,” Jackson said. 

    “The Decade of Gas initiative, complemented by the Commission’s Decarbonisation Framework, shows that the regulator understands both the global conversation and local realities.”

    The retired oil professionals also lauded the Commission’s enforcement of 24 new regulations aligned with the PIA, describing them as “a solid foundation for a predictable, investor-friendly operating environment”.

    “Rig activity rising from just 8 in 2021 to 70 today, alongside rising oil output to 1.8 million barrels per day, are strong indicators that the NUPRC’s strategies are working,” the statement said.

    The forum urged the Commission to sustain its reform momentum, deepen stakeholder engagement, and continue to hold operators accountable to global safety, governance, and transparency standards.

    “We believe the NUPRC is writing a new chapter in Nigeria’s oil and gas history. Under Komolafe’s stewardship, the sector is becoming more efficient, responsible, and profitable. That is the best tribute to decades of work by Nigerians who built this industry,” the statement added.

  • Nigeria secures $8b in energy investments

    Nigeria secures $8b in energy investments

    …Showcases economic gains at IMF/World Bank meetings

    Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms have attracted over $8 billion in new investments into the energy sector, reflecting growing international confidence in the country’s reform-driven growth agenda.

    This was disclosed by the Ministry of Finance in a statement it issued yesterday on the happenings at the ongoing IMF/World Bank meetings in Washington DC.

    According to the statement, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, who led the Nigerian delegation, stated that Nigeria’s economic fundamentals are strengthening as a result of disciplined fiscal management and structural reforms implemented under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    According to him, the government’s efforts have begun to yield measurable outcomes, including a decline in inflation, stabilization of the exchange rate, and an increase in the nation’s foreign reserves, which now exceed $43 billion.

    “We are moving in the right direction toward macroeconomic stability, fiscal discipline, and inclusive growth,” Cardoso said.

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    He added that the country’s economic progress has garnered international recognition and renewed investor confidence, with the energy sector leading inflows of new capital.

    The IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings, which brought together global financial leaders, provided Nigeria with an opportunity to showcase its economic resilience and reform milestones to the international community.

    Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who was part of the Nigerian delegation, commended Cardoso’s leadership and the teamwork exhibited throughout the meetings.

    “The outcomes we have achieved this week are a direct result of our strong collaboration,” she said.

    Uzoka-Anite further stated that the delegation’s engagements in Washington have reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to delivering on its economic priorities.

    “We return home with renewed vigour and vitality, with renewed hope and determination to deliver on our national priorities,” she said.

    The Minister noted that Nigeria’s assumption of the chairmanship of the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four (G-24) on International Monetary Affairs and Development marks a significant milestone in the country’s growing influence in global economic governance.

    The Nigerian delegation included key government officials such as the Senate Committee Chairman on Finance, Senator Muhammad Sani; Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Finance, Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya; Special Adviser to the President on Finance and Economy, Mrs. Sayande Okoli; and CBN Deputy Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi.

    Others were Directors-General and heads of relevant federal agencies, who participated in high-level discussions with global policymakers and development institutions on systemic reforms to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.

    With renewed international confidence and strengthened domestic policy coordination, Nigeria appears set to sustain its trajectory of stability, fiscal discipline, and shared prosperity.

  • WACEPR congratulates NUPRC chief Komolafe on SERVICOM leadership award

    WACEPR congratulates NUPRC chief Komolafe on SERVICOM leadership award

    …says NUPRC now a model of regulatory excellence

    The West Africa Centre for Energy Policy and Reforms (WACEPR) has congratulated Gbenga Komolafe, the Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), on receiving the SERVICOM Outstanding Leadership Award.

    In a statement issued on Friday in Accra and signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Kwabena Mensah-Ashitey, the Centre described the recognition as a well-deserved honour for a reform-driven technocrat whose leadership has enhanced transparency, efficiency, and professionalism in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector.

    WACEPR commended Komolafe’s achievements since assuming office as the pioneer head of the NUPRC following the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), noting that he has shown a strong commitment to building a performance-oriented regulator that promotes both investor confidence and national interest.

    “We have observed that Under Engr. Komolafe, NUPRC has proven to be a model of institutional independence and technical competence within West Africa’s oil governance space,” the statement reads. 

    “From implementing the fiscal provisions of the PIA to deepening host community engagement and driving data transparency in hydrocarbon production, his administration has repositioned Nigeria’s upstream sector for global competitiveness.”

    READ ALSO: Nigeria to add about 130 million people by 2050, says World Bank

    Dr. Mensah-Ashitey highlighted the Commission’s strides in ensuring equitable implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), which he said has given oil-producing communities a direct voice in project planning, benefit distribution, and environmental management.

    He also praised NUPRC’s reforms in production optimization, hydrocarbon measurement, and decarbonisation — all of which, he noted, align with the global transition to cleaner energy while sustaining Nigeria’s revenue base.

    “The upstream reforms led by Komolafe have introduced a new level of accountability. Nigeria now publishes clearer data on production, investment flows, and environmental performance. These efforts not only attract investors but also assure citizens that the nation’s petroleum wealth is being managed with integrity,” the statement continued.

    The Ghana-based Centre further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for maintaining a policy of non-interference in the activities of NUPRC, saying this has allowed the regulator to operate professionally and uphold the letter and spirit of the PIA.

    “President Tinubu deserves commendation for giving the Commission the autonomy it requires to perform. The independence of NUPRC under his administration is a refreshing model in a region where regulatory capture has often undermined energy sector reforms,” Mensah-Ashitey noted. 

    The statement also lauded Komolafe’s collaboration with international development partners, including the World Bank and the Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership, aimed at accelerating decarbonisation efforts in Nigeria’s upstream industry and improving emission management standards.

    “As Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria’s example under Komolafe’s leadership offers valuable lessons to other resource-dependent economies. His focus on service delivery, staff welfare, and institutional ethics reflects a brand of leadership that transcends bureaucracy — one rooted in public service and long-term value creation,” WACEPR added. 

    The sub-regional energy think tank urged other regulators in the region to emulate the NUPRC’s performance-driven approach, describing Komolafe’s SERVICOM award as “a testament to what is achievable when competence meets integrity in public service”.