The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NUPRC

  • Diaspora group hails NUPRC boss Komolafe for global leadership honours

    Diaspora group hails NUPRC boss Komolafe for global leadership honours

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Assembly (NiDA) in London has applauded Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), for earning two prestigious international recognitions — a professional doctorate in Leadership (Energy Law) from the International Business School of Scandinavia, and the Global Sustainable Leadership Award at the 2025 Global Sustainable Education and Leadership (G-SEL) Conference, held at the House of Lords, UK Parliament.

    In a statement issued on Saturday, NiDA London President, Sani Abubakar, and Secretary, Mrs. Chioma Okorafor, praised Komolafe for enhancing Nigeria’s image on the global stage.

    “These recognitions reflect the calibre of leadership and innovation Nigerians bring to global governance. Engineer Komolafe’s achievements demonstrate that merit, integrity, and hard work command international respect and reinforce Nigeria’s reputation as a nation of competent professionals,” the group said.

    NiDA London commended Komolafe’s transformative leadership at NUPRC, highlighting his role in implementing reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and advancing indigenous participation in the oil and gas sector.

    “His tenure has brought measurable progress to Nigeria’s upstream industry, from increased rig activity to fiscal surpluses. The Host Community Development Trust has surpassed N350 billion, funding projects that promote peace and tangible development in host communities. These outcomes show that responsible leadership drives both economic growth and social stability,” the statement added.

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

    The group noted that Komolafe’s awards symbolize inspiration for Nigerians in the diaspora.

    “Engineer Komolafe’s dual honours serve as motivation to Nigerians worldwide, proving that excellence, transparency, and ethical governance can earn global recognition, regardless of background or location,” NiDA said.

    It further emphasised that the accolades reinforce Nigeria’s rising profile as a credible destination for energy investment.

    “By combining regulatory rigor with strategic foresight, Komolafe has positioned Nigeria as a transparent and competitive hub for upstream investment. His efforts highlight Africa’s capacity to influence global energy policy and inspire young Nigerians to pursue professional excellence,” the statement continued.

    Since taking office, Komolafe has overseen a remarkable expansion in the upstream sector, with active rig counts rising from eight in 2021 to 69 by October 2025 — a growth of more than 760 percent. Revenue performance has consistently exceeded government targets, with surpluses of 18.3 percent in 2022, 14.6 percent in 2023, and 84.2 percent in 2024.

    Under his leadership, the Host Community Development Trust has channelled billions into social and infrastructure projects, strengthening relations between oil companies and host communities while aligning with global best practices.

    NiDA London urged the federal government to continue supporting visionary leaders like Komolafe and encouraged Nigerians abroad to celebrate excellence that reflects the country’s potential.

    “As Nigerians in the diaspora, we take pride in seeing one of our own recognized on such a prestigious platform. We encourage all citizens to uphold integrity, professionalism, and excellence to keep Nigeria a respected player in international development and energy affairs,” the statement concluded.

  • NUPRC chief Komolafe wins global sustainable leadership award in UK

    NUPRC chief Komolafe wins global sustainable leadership award in UK

    Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, has received the Global Sustainable Leadership Award at the 2025 Global Sustainable Education and Leadership (G-SEL) Conference, held at the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, United Kingdom.

    The two-day event, which brought together senior policymakers, business leaders, and diplomats from across the world, recognised Komolafe’s outstanding leadership in driving reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and positioning Nigeria as a credible, transparent, and competitive energy investment destination.

    Since assuming office, Komolafe has played a pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector. Under his leadership, the nation’s rig count has risen dramatically from eight in 2021 to 69 as of October 2025 — representing a growth of more than 760 per cent. 

    Revenue performance has also consistently surpassed government projections, with surpluses of 18.3 per cent in 2022, 14.6 per cent in 2023, and a remarkable 84.2 per cent in 2024.

    Beyond fiscal achievements, NUPRC has made significant progress in promoting host community development and indigenous participation. 

    Local operators now contribute over 30 per cent of Nigeria’s total oil production, while the implementation of Host Community Development Trusts ensures that oil and gas operations directly benefit local populations in line with global sustainability practices.

    Accepting the award, Komolafe dedicated the recognition to the Nigerian people, describing it as a testament to their resilience and the government’s unwavering commitment to reform and sustainable growth in the energy sector.

    “This award belongs to Nigeria. It recognises the courage and faith that drive our reforms in the upstream oil and gas sector. We are building a transparent, accountable, and investment-friendly system that reflects our national values and global aspirations,” he said.

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

    Komolafe noted that the NUPRC’s strategy is anchored on three priorities — transparency, competitiveness, and sustainability — with an emphasis on maximising the value of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources while advancing the energy transition. 

    We are not only regulating production. We are shaping the future of energy in Africa by ensuring that Nigeria remains a reliable supplier, a fair regulator, and a responsible global partner,” the NUPRC boss added.

    The G-SEL London Conference 2025, themed ‘The intersection of innovation, sustainability and equity for energy access’, served as a major forum for global dialogue on the future of energy, education, and inclusive growth.

    Komolafe’s recognition reinforces Nigeria’s growing reputation as an energy hub built on regulatory integrity, sustainable growth, and global partnership — a milestone that underscores the nation’s role in shaping the next phase of Africa’s energy future.

    Other recipients of the Global Sustainable Leadership Award included Angela Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council; Jason Jackson, Mayor of Islington, London; Riad Meddeb, Director of Sustainable Energy at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); and Ben Parsons, Partner at Oakin Energy Transition Strategy, United Kingdom. Others were Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka, Zambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom; Seema Malhotra FRSA, Member of Parliament for Feltham and Heston and Minister at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; and Joel Singh, Director at General Electric Company, United Kingdom.

    The award also went to Hon. Dr. Toreria Moyo, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education of Zimbabwe; Mr. Alex Wachira, CBS, Principal Secretary at Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum; and H.E. Dr. Morie K. Manyeh, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom — rounding off a distinguished roster of leaders honoured for their commitment to sustainable growth, inclusive governance, and energy transition across Africa and beyond.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • NUPRC eyes 600,000bpd from fresh 28 field investments

    NUPRC eyes 600,000bpd from fresh 28 field investments

    The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has said the 28 Field Development Plans (FDPs) so far approved in 2025 will add 600,000 barrels of oil per day and more than 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas daily.

    The Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of the NUPRC, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe said this at the ongoing 2025 World Energies Summit convened by Frontier Energy Network in London.

    A press statement that the NUPRC Head, Media and Strategic Communication, Mr. Eniola Akinkuotu, issued yesterday quoted Komolafe as saying, “In 2025 alone, 28 new Field Development Plans have already been approved, unlocking an additional 1.4 billion barrels of oil and 5.4 trillion cubic feet of gas.

    READ ALSO: CBN, finance ministry present Nigeria’s economic progress at G24 meetings

    “These projects are expected to add nearly 600,000 barrels of oil per day and more than 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day, supported by $18.2 billion in committed CAPEX. Together, these outcomes demonstrate that Nigeria’s upstream sector is not only on a growth trajectory but is also attracting the scale of investment needed to sustain its role as a premier global energy hub.”

    The NUPRC boss noted that the President Bola Tinubu-led government and the Commission are responding with bold reforms and strategic actions to turn challenges into opportunities amidst global pressures for energy transition.

    He therefore asked investors to seize the vast opportunities ahead of the launch of Nigeria’s next Block Licensing Round.

    Highlighting the dividends of bold reforms, the CCE disclosed that the Commission has conducted licensing initiatives such as the 2022 Petroleum Prospecting Licenses, the Mini-Bid Round for deep offshore blocks, and the landmark 2024 Licensing Round, which was adjudged transparent by operators and stakeholders, including the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

    “Beyond the successes of our data acquisition campaigns and licensing rounds, every key metric on our performance dashboard reflects widening access and exceptional investor participation. Rig activity, for instance, has surged from just 8 in 2021 to 70 today, out of which 41 are drilling on site. Production has also risen significantly, from 1.46 million barrels per day in October 2024 to around 1.8 million barrels per day.

    “Major Final Investment Decisions, such as the $5 billion Bonga North and $500 million Ubeta Gas Project, underscore renewed long-term investor confidence, with several more expected soon,” the CCE disclosed.

    The CCE maintained that energy transition is a matter of energy security for the continent and Nigeria. This, he noted, has led to bold reforms aligned with the country’s transition strategy, which is the Decade of Gas.

    He highlighted how the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021, reshaped and brought clarity to the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

    According to him, the PIA ushered in fiscal reforms and investor-centric policies anchored in transparency, ethical governance, clarity, predictability, sustainability, competitiveness, and investor confidence.

    The NUPRC, established by the PIA, has issued 24 regulations benchmarked against global standards to restore confidence and stability, he noted.

    Komolafe reiterated that the three Executive Orders issued by President Tinubu in 2024 have further incentivized Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

    As part of moves toward a just transition, Komolafe said Nigeria is embedding climate responsibility at the heart of its upstream reforms through a robust Decarbonisation Framework that integrates MRV systems, carbon capture and storage, and access to carbon markets.

    The NUPRC boss also noted that the administration of the Host Communities provisions of the PIA has strengthened trust and cooperation, enabling companies to operate more effectively.

    According to him, these outcomes demonstrate that Nigeria’s upstream sector is not only on a growth trajectory but is also attracting the scale of investment needed to sustain its role as a premier global energy hub.

    He further stated that investors now have unprecedented access to both mature and frontier basins, which have been incentivised with favourable fiscal terms.

    “As we prepare to launch Nigeria’s next Block Licensing Round, I extend a warm invitation to our local and global partners to join us in this journey,” he added.

  • NUPRC targets $4.9b capex in non-associated gas

    NUPRC targets $4.9b capex in non-associated gas

    Nigeria’s ambition to become Africa’s gas powerhouse received a major boost with the unveiling of a regulatory roadmap at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) aimed at unlocking over 55 trillion cubic feet of uncommitted gas reserves and attracting billions of dollars in new investments into the country’s gas value chain.

    This is as the NUPRC revealed that since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Commission has approved over 25 Non-Associated Gas (NAG) Field Development Plans, unlocking nearly 9,790 BSCF of reserves, 3.54 BSCF/D of gas, and attracting over $4.9 billion dollars in capital expenditure (CAPEX) investments, according to a statement yesterday.

    Speaking at the third Gas Investment Forum held in Lagos, the Commission Chief Executive (CCE), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, represented by the Executive Commissioner, Development and Production, Engr. Enorense Amadasu, outlined the Commission’s strategic focus on driving gas development, monetisation, and infrastructure expansion to secure Nigeria’s energy future and support economic transformation.

    Nigeria’s proven gas reserves currently stand at 210.54 trillion cubic feet (TCF) comprising 109.51 TCF of Non-Associated Gas (NAG) and 101.03 TCF of Associated Gas (AG). Of this, about 55 TCF representing 26 percent of total gas reserves remains uncommitted to existing or planned monetisation projects, signalling a massive investment opportunity for both domestic and international investors.

    Read Also: Sasakawa Africa showcases climate-smart innovations

    Amadasu, according to the statement, noted that with an annual average daily gas production of 6.99 billion standard cubic feet (BSCF/D) in 2024, Nigeria’s Reserves Replacement Ratio (RRR) stands at 1.56, while the Reserves Life Index (RLI) is about 92.7 years an indication of long-term sustainability for investors in the country’s gas sector.

    The statement said the national gas reserves, he said, grew from 208.83 TCF in 2023 to 210.54 TCF in 2025, while gas production rose from 6.91 BSCF/D to 7.61 BSCF/D, reflecting steady growth across the value chain. The domestic market currently accounts for about 28 percent of total gas utilisation, while exports via LNG and WAGP take up 35 percent, and field use including gas lift and reinjection represents 29 percent.

    On Policy Reforms and Regulatory Milestones, Engr. Amadasu enumerated several regulatory instruments that have shaped Nigeria’s gas development journey, including the Associated Gas Re-injection Act (1979), National Gas Policy (2008), Flare Gas (Prevention of Waste and Pollution) Regulations (2018), Decade of Gas Initiative, and the landmark Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

    Recent instruments such as the Domestic Gas Delivery Obligation Regulations (2022), the Gas Flaring, Venting and Methane Emissions Regulations (2023), and the Oil and Gas Companies (Tax Incentives) Order (2024) further consolidate the Commission’s pro-investment posture.

    Since the enactment of the PIA, the Commission has approved over 25 Non-Associated Gas (NAG) Field Development Plans, unlocking nearly 9,790 BSCF of reserves, 3.54 BSCF/D of gas, and attracting over 4.9 billion dollars in CAPEX investments.

    He further disclosed that the Commission is actively facilitating regulatory approvals and negotiations for upstream gas supply to major projects such as NLNG Train 7, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Pipeline, and the Brass Fertilizer and Petrochemical Project.

    Engr. Amadasu also observed that, NUPRC is currently monitoring 19 active gas development projects, comprising 10 production facilities and nine pipeline projects, with a combined capacity of 3.55 BSCF/D. About 88 per cent of these projects are in the engineering phase, while 12 percent have progressed to construction or fabrication.

    He explained that 86 percent of the new gas production projects are targeted at the export market, particularly feed gas supply to the Nigerian LNG, while 23 percent (142 MMSCFD) are directed toward the domestic market.

    Mr Amadasu emphasised that the NUPRC’s regulatory roadmap aligns with the Federal Government’s National Gas Policy and Energy Transition Plan, which prioritise decarbonisation, clean energy adoption, and inclusive economic growth.

    According to him, the Commission is intensifying efforts to attract new investments by eliminating entry barriers through the drill or drop provision in the PIA, driving full implementation of the Decade of Gas Initiative, facilitating access to fiscal incentives, promoting cluster and nodal gas infrastructure development, and Organising a Gas Production Ramp-up Strategy Workshop in Q4 2025.

    He concluded by reaffirming that Nigeria stands at a pivotal juncture in its energy journey one that demands innovation, collaboration, and sustainable investment.

  • NUPRC okays TotalEnergies’ $510m deal with Shell, Agip

    NUPRC okays TotalEnergies’ $510m deal with Shell, Agip

    Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has signed off on a sales purchase agreement (SPA) by TotalEnergies Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited to assign its entire 12.5 per cent contractor interest in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 118 to Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPco) and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAE).

    According to the details of the agreement, TotalEnergies will transfer 10 per cent of its interest to SNEPco at a cost of $408 million while NAE will pay $102 million for the remaining 2.5 per cent.

    Head, Media and Strategic Communications, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC),  Mr. Eniola Akinkuotu confirmed the approval of the deal yesterday.

    The NUPRC stated that pursuant to Section 95 of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, it carried out due diligence on SNEPco to ascertain their financial capacity and technical competence.

    “SNEPco and NAE have demonstrated both technical and managerial competence to optimally contribute to the upstream operations (explore, develop and produce) in OML 118. They already maintain a participating interest in the asset.

    Read Also: Ex-CJN Ariwoola tasks new lawyers on commitment to professional ethics

    “Based on the presentations and documents submitted, there is a clear evidence that they have access to funding to meet their financial obligations,” the Commission stated.

    The NUPRC further stated that TotalEnergies, a committed operator in Nigeria’s vibrant upstream sector, had also paid the statutory application fee for the deal.

    The Commission noted that SNEPCO and NAE will bear the decommissioning and abandonment liabilities owed by TotalEnergies to the Federal Government of Nigeria with respect to the divested interest.

    The upstream regulator explained that the divestment is subject to a ministerial consent in line Sections 95(1), (2), (7), (11) and 12 of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.

    The Commission therefore expects SNEPco and NAE to pay 5% and 2% respectively of the transaction purse on the total value of $510,000,000 as premium on ministerial consent and processing fees.

    The assignees are also to give an undertaking in favour of the Commission that they will bear all the decommissioning and abandonment liabilities and the host community liabilities owed by TotalEnergies.