By: NIGPOST Team
April 28, 2025
The Nigeria Oil and Gas Integrity Forum has lauded the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its pivotal role in driving the successful implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), recognizing the Commission’s leadership as a catalyst for the sector’s recovery.
NUPRC’s Visionary Leadership Under Engr. Gbenga Komolafe
The Nigeria Oil and Gas Integrity Forum has commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its exceptional efforts in enforcing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which has significantly transformed Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. According to Vivian Okorafor, the President of the Forum, the PIA’s passage would have been meaningless without the strong, competent leadership provided by the NUPRC under the guidance of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.
“The PIA was indeed a monumental achievement, but the real success lies in its practical implementation,” Okorafor stated. “Without NUPRC’s decisive and transparent enforcement, Nigeria would still be grappling with regulatory challenges, capital flight, and investor skepticism. Today, thanks to the leadership of Engr. Komolafe, the country’s upstream sector has regained investor confidence.”
Transforming Regulatory Practices for Growth
The Forum also highlighted the critical role of NUPRC in transforming regulatory practices from bureaucratic obstacles to growth drivers. Key investment indicators in the sector have seen positive movements since NUPRC took charge of PIA’s implementation. Transparent bid rounds, clear licensing procedures, and streamlined processes have restored faith in Nigeria’s petroleum industry and made it more competitive on the global stage.
Promoting Nigerian Content in the Upstream Sector
Okorafor further praised the Commission’s focus on promoting Nigerian content, which has fostered the growth of indigenous companies in the upstream sector. “For the first time in decades, we are seeing more Nigerian companies actively participating in the upstream oil and gas sector, thanks to NUPRC’s transparent, merit-based policies,” she said.
Leveraging Technology to Reduce Corruption and Boost Efficiency
The Forum also lauded NUPRC’s integration of digital platforms, which have simplified regulatory compliance, boosted efficiency, and minimized corruption within the sector. “The introduction of technology has been transformative, making it difficult for fraudulent practices to thrive in the industry. Licensing, reporting, and monitoring are now largely digital, which has greatly improved the regulatory environment,” Okorafor added.
The Impact of the New Fiscal Regime on Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector
One of the most significant changes brought about by the PIA implementation is the new fiscal regime, which has made Nigeria a more attractive destination for upstream investments compared to other African nations like Angola and Ghana. “Before the PIA, Nigeria was losing out to its neighbors, but now we have regained our competitive edge,” Okorafor concluded.
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