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  • Civil society groups defend Komolafe, dismiss allegations against ex-NUPRC chief

    Civil society groups defend Komolafe, dismiss allegations against ex-NUPRC chief

    A coalition of registered civil society organisations in Nigeria has dismissed allegations of asset manipulation and revenue concealment levelled against the immediate past Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, describing the claims as “baseless, contrived and malicious.”

    The coalition, speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, said the allegations were being promoted by “faceless interests” whose illicit revenue channels were disrupted by reforms implemented under Komolafe’s four-year leadership at the commission.

    Addressing journalists, the group said the briefing was convened to “set the records straight” and counter what it described as deliberate attempts to distort facts and discredit the achievements recorded at NUPRC during Komolafe’s tenure.

    The statement was signed by Dr Wisdom Ohalete and Alhaji Nurudeen Abdulmaleek on behalf of the coalition.

    “It is important to state that Engr. Komolafe exited office voluntarily and honourably, with his integrity intact,” the coalition said, adding that his time in office was marked by transparency, accountability and measurable institutional reforms in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.

    The coalition highlighted what it described as ten verifiable milestones achieved under Komolafe’s leadership. These include the introduction of regulatory frameworks such as the Upstream Measurement Regulations and the Advanced Cargo Declaration Regulations, which it said strengthened hydrocarbon accounting and revenue assurance.

    According to the group, Nigeria’s crude oil production recovered to an average of 1.68 million barrels per day during the period, peaking at about 1.8 million barrels per day in July 2025, while crude oil theft reportedly declined by over 90 per cent, from about 102,900 barrels per day in 2021 to roughly 9,600 barrels per day by September 2025.

    The coalition also cited the approval of 79 Field Development Plans with an estimated investment value of nearly $40 billion, the introduction of the Regulatory Action Plan to implement the Petroleum Industry Act, and the enforcement of the “Drill or Drop” policy to optimise oil and gas assets.

    Other achievements listed include renewed exploration activities through large-scale seismic data acquisition, the drilling and completion of 306 development wells between 2022 and 2025, and the full digitisation of licensing rounds, which the group said earned commendation from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

    On gas development and sustainability, the coalition said NUPRC completed the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme, strengthened host community development through remittances to Host Community Development Trusts, and deployed environmental, social and governance (ESG) tools such as Host Comply. It also noted Nigeria’s role in regional regulatory cooperation through the establishment of the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF).

    The civil society groups further alleged that certain interests within the oil sector had mobilised “mushroom civil society groups” to stage protests in Abuja, Lagos and London in a bid to tarnish Komolafe’s reputation and trigger investigations by anti-graft agencies.

    “We urge the public to disregard these malicious distortions and stand by the truth, facts and documented achievements,” the coalition said.

  • West African oil governance centre hails Komolafe on emergence as AFRIPERF boss

    West African oil governance centre hails Komolafe on emergence as AFRIPERF boss

    The West African Centre for Oil Governance (WACOG) has congratulated Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), on his election as chairman of the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), describing the development as a major boost for regional energy integration and regulatory cohesion across the continent.

    In a statement on Friday signed by its executive director, Dr. Mensah Kofi Adjei, WACOG said Komolafe’s emergence reflects “the growing recognition of Nigeria’s leadership capacity in shaping Africa’s energy future” and marks a new phase in the effort to harmonise petroleum regulatory frameworks across the continent.

    AFRIPERF, a coalition of petroleum regulators from across Africa, elected Komolafe at its executive committee meeting earlier in the week, during which Nigeria was also adopted as the official headquarters of the Forum. 

    WACOG said the dual endorsement underscores not only Nigeria’s long-standing position as Africa’s largest oil producer but also its renewed commitment to transparent, modern regulatory practices.

    Dr. Adjei said Komolafe’s leadership at the NUPRC has been closely followed across West Africa, noting that his reputation for strengthening technical standards, deepening regulatory reforms and improving investor engagement made him an “exceptional choice” to steer AFRIPERF.

    According to him, the Forum’s mandate requires a leader with both continental perspective and deep industry knowledge—criteria he said Komolafe meets with distinction.

    Read Also: Akpabio: Segun Awolowo built bridges across the Niger

    “Across Africa, regulators are grappling with shifting global energy dynamics, rapid technological disruption and the urgent need to leverage hydrocarbon resources for sustainable development,” the statement reads. 

    “We are confident that Engr. Komolafe will bring the clarity, structure and foresight required to position African regulators as united, capable and strategically aligned in this new era.”

    WACOG added that Komolafe’s appointment comes at a crucial time as African countries push to standardise petroleum regulations, share data, strengthen local content frameworks, and engage more effectively with international energy markets.

    Dr. Adjei said the Forum is expected to drive reforms that ensure African regulators speak with a stronger collective voice, especially on issues such as energy transition financing, investment security, emissions standards, cross-border infrastructure, and the future of African crude in global markets.

    He said Nigeria hosting the Forum’s headquarters would allow West African countries to benefit from the country’s extensive regulatory experience, technical expertise and institutional memory in upstream petroleum governance.

    WACOG urged AFRIPERF member-states to give full cooperation to the new leadership, stressing that the continent stands to gain from a unified platform capable of shaping policies that improve investor confidence and enhance energy security.

    The Centre also encouraged the Forum to prioritise capacity building, noting that many African regulators still face structural gaps that hinder effective supervision of upstream operations.

    “Komolafe’s tenure must usher in an era where African regulators no longer operate in silos but function as a coordinated bloc capable of defending the continent’s interests,” the statement added.

    WACOG reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with AFRIPERF on research, training exchanges and policy dialogue initiatives aimed at strengthening the region’s regulatory landscape.

    The group said Komolafe’s election represents “a defining moment for Africa’s oil governance framework” and expressed optimism that the Forum, under his leadership, would accelerate the modernisation of regulatory systems across the continent.

  • AFRIPERF adopts Nigeria as headquarters, elects Komolafe chairman

    AFRIPERF adopts Nigeria as headquarters, elects Komolafe chairman

    The African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF) has unanimously adopted Nigeria as its official headquarters.

    The body also elected the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, an engineer, as chairman of the Forum. 

    Prior to the endorsement, Komolafe was interim chairman of AFRIPERF.

    Eyoanwan Ndiyo-Aiyetan also emerged as secretary of AFRIPERF.

    The decision was announced at the inaugural executive committee meeting of the Forum which held virtually.

    The development affirms Nigeria’s central role in the African petroleum regulatory space and as Africa’s largest producer of crude oil.

    The meeting which was attended by 16 African countries, was convened to pick its leadership, headquarters and logo.

    In his opening remarks Komolafe said, “We are laying the foundation for a more harmonized and collaborative regulatory environment across Africa. A strong Executive Committee will help drive initiatives that promote investment, streamline regulations and support Africa’s strategic positioning in an evolving global energy space” 

    Out of the 16 countries that attended, eight have so far ratified the treaty to become full-fledged members of the Forum who have voting rights.

    In his acceptance speech, Komolafe thanked his African counterparts for the trust and honour, promising to ensure that no member country is left behind.

    AFRIPERF aims to strengthen regional petroleum governance by fostering collaboration, cooperation and coordination among member regulators.

    Its objectives include: Harmonising petroleum regulations and standards, enhancing regulatory capacity through training, promoting dialogue with industry stakeholders and international organisations and addressing regional challenges.

    Additionally, the Forum seeks to facilitate knowledge sharing, promote cross-border energy infrastructure development and present a virile strong unified voice for Africa in global hydrocarbon discourse, encourage technology transfer, and promote best practices. 

    It advocates for member interests on international platforms and leverages the collective strengths of regulators to secure sustainable energy resources for development, promote investment in African petroleum exploration, ensure transparency and sound regulation, and advance ethical practices in petroleum exploitation.

  • Experts hail Komolafe as NUPRC revenue hits N8.79trn in 10 months

    Experts hail Komolafe as NUPRC revenue hits N8.79trn in 10 months

    Three prominent policy analysts and energy-sector experts have praised the leadership of Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), following new records showing the commission generated N8.79 trillion to the Federation Account between January and October 2025.

    FAAC records from the November 2025 meeting revealed that NUPRC remitted N873.10 billion in October alone, a 17.67 per cent rise from September’s N741.99 billion, following stronger royalty enforcement, enhanced data reconciliation and improved monitoring of upstream operations. 

    The documents also showed over N1.02 trillion in NNPC Joint Venture and Production Sharing Contract royalty receivables, as well as N835.69 billion from Project Gazelle. 

    The commission additionally confirmed that, after presidential approval to “nil off” inherited NNPC arrears as of 31 December 2024, it cleared $1.42 billion and N5.57 trillion in legacy obligations.

    Despite these gains, October’s collections amounted to 72.47 per cent of the N1.204 trillion monthly budget, reflecting the ongoing effects of low output, infrastructure constraints, crude theft, and global price movements. 

    The commission also recorded strong performances across several revenue lines, including N807.08 billion in oil and gas royalties, a 65 per cent rise in rental income, and gas flare penalties surpassing budgeted targets at 105.52 per cent.

    Dr. Ifeanyi Okonkwo, public affairs analyst and former adviser at the National Assembly, said the latest revenue figures reflect a deliberate tightening of administrative and fiscal controls at the commission. 

    “What these numbers tell us is that the NUPRC under Komolafe has finally embraced the discipline that the upstream sector has lacked for years,” he said. 

    “There is now a clear commitment to transparency, monthly reconciliation and the closure of historical leakages. The fact that the commission is sustaining high remittances despite fluctuating production shows that the regulator is no longer timid or reactive. It is behaving like a regulator that understands the weight of its mandate and is determined to enforce it.”

    Energy economist, Dr. Hauwa Ibrahim, described the performance as a reassuring signal in a difficult year for the global oil market. 

    “The October numbers demonstrate that even within a constrained production environment, a disciplined regulatory framework can still deliver strong outcomes for the federation,” she said. 

    “What we are seeing is the early emergence of structural stability in the upstream sector, driven by firmer compliance systems and a more assertive regulatory posture. Yes, the figures still reflect the fragility of the sector, particularly in production volumes, but when a regulator provides clarity, consistency and predictable enforcement, the entire value chain becomes more resilient. That is the direction NUPRC is now moving toward.”

    Petroleum engineer, Mike Osamudiamen, said the commission’s handling of inherited NNPC indebtedness marks one of the most consequential interventions in the industry this year. 

    “For decades, Nigeria’s upstream fiscal environment has been muddied by unresolved obligations, disputed receivables and opaque accounting practices,” he said. 

    “By bringing long-delayed clarity to the books and writing off obligations that were legally extinguished, Komolafe has restored credibility to the federation’s financial records. This certainty is essential not just for government planning but for operators, investors and auditors who rely on accurate data. What is needed now is sustained vigilance, tighter monitoring of production volumes, accurate measurement systems and uncompromising royalty compliance, because that is how this momentum will be protected.”

    The experts concluded that the performance reflects a regulator that is increasingly assertive, disciplined and aligned with the vision of the Petroleum Industry Act, with Komolafe’s leadership playing a central role in the turnaround.

  • NUPRC boss Komolafe makes list of continental experts to speak at Pan-African parliament session

    NUPRC boss Komolafe makes list of continental experts to speak at Pan-African parliament session

    Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has been named among top continental experts invited to address the Sixth Ordinary Session of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) in Midrand, South Africa, this November.

    The 14-day sitting, which opened on Monday, November 3, brings together legislators, policymakers, and development leaders from across the continent to discuss governance priorities and sustainable development strategies.

    Komolafe’s invitation — in recognition of his role as NUPRC Chief Executive and interim President of the Africa Forum for Petroleum Regulators and Frameworks (AFRIPERF) — is seen as a notable endorsement of Nigeria’s leadership in upstream petroleum reform under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    In a letter dated October 17, 2025, the PAP Bureau requested Komolafe to present a paper titled “Legislative Frameworks for Sustainable Upstream Regulation in Africa’s Oil and Gas Sector.” 

    The briefing will examine how sound regulatory and legislative structures can strengthen sustainability in the continent’s upstream industry, drawing on Nigeria’s experience under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

    PAP noted that insights from Nigeria’s recent regulatory reforms would support efforts to shape model laws that promote accountability, environmental protection, and fair revenue distribution across member states.

    This marks only the second time in recent years that a Nigerian official has been invited to address a PAP plenary, a forum typically reserved for prominent reform advocates shaping Africa’s development trajectory.

    Komolafe has led major regulatory advances in Nigeria’s upstream sector, including digitised licensing, stricter environmental oversight, and performance-based compliance systems — reforms credited with boosting investor confidence and strengthening production performance.

    Under his leadership, crude production has risen to roughly 1.7 million barrels per day, while gas flaring has dropped to 7.16 percent — among the lowest levels recorded in two decades. The PIA’s fiscal transparency and host community provisions have also improved industry-community relations and stability.

    The PAP Bureau said Komolafe’s input would enrich ongoing deliberations on aligning national energy frameworks with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 targets, particularly around inclusive growth, sustainability, and energy transition.

    Analysts say the invitation reinforces Nigeria’s growing stature in continental energy governance, highlighting the Tinubu administration’s commitment to transparent, innovative, and competitive resource management.

    Komolafe is expected to use the platform to deepen regulatory collaboration across Africa and support a shared drive toward a just, inclusive, and sustainable energy future for the continent.

  • 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.

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

    “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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Komolafe hails Tinubu’s reforms, says Nigeria now top global upstream frontier

    Komolafe hails Tinubu’s reforms, says Nigeria now top global upstream frontier

    The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, has declared that President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda is transforming Nigeria into one of the world’s most attractive destinations for upstream oil and gas investments.

    Speaking at the Africa Oil Week in Accra, Ghana, Komolafe said the bold policy shifts anchored on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and reinforced by presidential executive orders have delivered a surge of investor confidence, unlocking billions of dollars in fresh commitments.

    “In 2025 alone, the Commission has approved 28 new Field Development Plans, unlocking 1.4 billion barrels of oil and 5.4 TCF of gas, adding an expected 591,000 barrels of oil per day and 2.1 BSCFD of gas,” Komolafe announced.

    “These FDPs, with $18.2 billion in CAPEX commitments, underscore Nigeria’s transformation into one of the most dynamic and attractive upstream investment frontiers in the world.”

    According to him, the wave of commitments aligns with Nigeria’s aspiration to boost crude oil production capacity to over three million barrels per day, while ensuring robust contributions to national revenue, energy security, and regional growth.

    The NUPRC chief highlighted milestone projects such as the $5 billion Bonga North deep offshore development and the $500 million Ubeta Gas Project as evidence of renewed long-term commitments by global operators. 

    He noted that additional final investment decisions (FIDs) are expected on major projects like HI NAG Development, Ima Gas, Owowo Deep Offshore, and Preowei Fields.

    Since Tinubu assumed office, Komolafe disclosed, the Federal Government has also approved five major acquisition deals worth over $5 billion. 

    He said these transactions have opened new opportunities for ambitious indigenous players to expand their footprint in the upstream sector.

    Komolafe credited the Petroleum Industry Act for ushering in “a new era of governance, fiscal reform, and institutional realignment” which, he argued, has repositioned the Commission as a forward-thinking regulator.

    “In nearly four years, the NUPRC has rolled out 24 transformative regulations, 19 of which are now gazetted to operationalise key provisions of the PIA,” he explained.

     “We have unveiled a comprehensive Regulatory Action Plan to tackle bottlenecks, vacate entry barriers, and ensure transparent licensing rounds.”

    The reforms, he noted, are already producing tangible results. Rig counts, a key indicator of upstream activity, have climbed from just eight in 2021 to 43 as of September 2025.

    Komolafe also pointed to recent bid rounds and concession awards as evidence of transparency and competitiveness under the new regime. 

    He recalled that the 57 Petroleum Prospecting Licences awarded in 2022, the 2022 Mini-Bid Round, and the 2024 Licensing Round all attracted “exceptional investor participation” due to clearer terms and wider accessibility.

    He explained that the Commission deliberately optimised signature bonus requirements and dismantled barriers to entry, allowing more operators to compete. 

    “The resultwas that 27 out of 31 blocks offered in 2024 were successfully taken up,” he added. 

    The NUPRC boss stressed that these strides are not merely transactional wins but part of a longer-term vision to place Nigeria at the centre of Africa’s energy future. 

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    He emphasised the role of energy security as “the cornerstone of economic growth, national resilience, and shared prosperity across the continent.”

    “With the Petroleum Industry Act as our foundation, reinforced by bold presidential executive orders and transformative regulatory initiatives, we are not just opening our doors to investment; we are building a world-class upstream oil and gas environment that rewards ambition, innovation, and responsibility,” Komolafe said.

    As the continent grapples with energy transition debates, Komolafe maintained that Nigeria’s approach balances sustainability with economic necessity. 

    He argued that the country’s vast hydrocarbon endowment, if managed responsibly, will fuel industrialisation and poverty reduction while complementing gradual adoption of renewable energy.

    Industry observers at the Africa Oil Week described Nigeria’s pitch as one of the most compelling, noting that the blend of legal certainty, regulatory clarity, and political will is reshaping perceptions of the country as an oil and gas investment hub.

  • We are on track to 2.5mb/d by 2026, says Komolafe

    We are on track to 2.5mb/d by 2026, says Komolafe

    The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) on Thursday listed an array of ongoing activities that will culminate in the increase of crude oil production to 2.5million per day in 2026.

    In his goodwill message at the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Energy and Labour Summit (PEALS) 2025 in Abuja, the commission’s Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe said the activities, which include the reactivation of dormant fields, have already raised daily output to 1.8mb from 1.46mb in October last year.

    He said, “Coupled with reactivating dormant fields, accelerating approvals, and deploying improved recovery techniques, these efforts have already increased production from a 1.46 million barrels per day baseline in October 2024 to 1.8 million barrels today.

    With this momentum, we are firmly on track to reach our 2.5 million barrels per day target by 2026.”

    Komolafe said in the area of incremental production, the NUPRC, through proactive industry collaboration, has been spearheading strategic initiatives that directly support the Project One Million Barrels per Day incremental production target.

    He said a good example is the recent Deepwater Technical Stakeholders’ Workshop for unlocking the production potentials of the deepwater resources in Nigeria.

    He recalled that the high-level forum brought together leading operators, service companies, and policymakers to forge a common agenda for unlocking more than 810,000 barrels of oil per day, in potential peak output, from approved deep offshore development plans.

    At the heart of the effort, according to him, is the cluster and nodal development strategy, designed to maximise shared infrastructure, capture economies of scale, and enable coordinated tiebacks to existing FPSOs like Bonga, Egina, and Agbami.

    He said the approach significantly reduces project costs, shortens timelines and de-risks investments.

    Komolafe said the collaborative model mirrors global success stories from regions like the North Sea, where cluster strategies revitalised mature basins and sustained competitiveness for decades. He said it also positions Nigeria’s deepwater as a competitive, investor-friendly frontier capable of delivering substantial incremental barrels within the next few years.

    The summit with the theme, “Building a Resilient Oil and Gas Sector in Nigeria: Advancing HSE, ESG, Investment, and Incremental Production,” according to him, has become more than just an annual fixture.

    He said it has evolved into a trusted marketplace of ideas, where frank dialogue meets forward-thinking engagement, and where collaborative problem-solving charts a path for an industry that directly contributes so much to the Nigerian economy.

    On sustainability and ESG drive, he said NUPRC is taking decisive steps to future-proof the industry.

    The Chief Executive explained that NUPRC Upstream Decarbonisation Framework and gas-centric transition strategy aim to eliminate routine flaring by 2030, cut methane emissions by 60% by 2031, and monetise the country’s vast gas resources.

    He added that through initiatives like the Decade of Gas, the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), and the Presidential CNG Initiative, NUPRC is creating thousands of green jobs and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s gas powerhouse.

    Komolafe said the theme is as timely as it is strategic.

    Continuing, he stressed, “We stand today at a defining moment in both our national and global energy story: a time when the forces of transition, technology, and geopolitics are redefining the future of oil and gas. Indeed, energy transition is gathering pace around the world. Global investment in low-carbon energy not only exceeded $1.7 trillion in 2023, surpassing fossil fuel investment for the first time in history, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), but also surged by an additional 24% in 2024, reaching an unprecedented $2.1 trillion, as reported by BloombergNEF.

    “Yet, if history and experience are any guide, the nations that will lead this transition are those that strike the right balance between sustaining current energy security and preparing for the low-carbon economy of tomorrow. While hydrocarbons are still expected to account for more than half of the world’s primary energy needs by mid-century, the International Energy Agency projects that renewables will supply nearly 90% of new global electricity generation by 2030.

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    “Both OPEC and the U.S. Energy Information Administration underscore that fossil fuels will remain indispensable in meeting the energy demands of expanding populations and fast-growing economies, particularly in Asia and Africa.

    “For Nigeria, the implications are profound. With proven reserves of 37.28 billion barrels of crude oil and 210.54 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, our upstream sector remains the backbone of the economy, delivering about 90% of export earnings and nearly 70% of government revenue.

    “But our ambition must go beyond being resource-rich; we must be resource-responsible, harnessing hydrocarbons with world-class efficiency and environmental stewardship, while strategically investing in cleaner alternatives.

    “The urgency of this task is magnified by rising global scrutiny, climate vulnerability, supply chain disruptions, and local challenges such as underinvestment and infrastructure gaps.”