Nigeria has taken center stage in a bold continental move to streamline oil and gas governance, as it joined seven other countries in signing the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF) Charter.

The agreement, sealed during the 31st Africa Oil Week in Accra, Ghana, aims to harmonise petroleum regulations across the continent, strengthen safety and environmental standards, and build a more sustainable energy future.

Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, and Togo were the first to formally endorse the charter, while other countries including Kenya, South Africa, Angola, Morocco, and Namibia pledged to join after national consultations.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), led by its Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, played a leading role in creating the framework. Komolafe, who currently serves as interim chairman of AFRIPERF, described the signing as “a decisive move towards building a harmonised and sustainable petroleum industry in Africa.”

The charter commits member states to share expertise, promote uniform industry standards, invest in training, and foster dialogue with international stakeholders. To achieve this, AFRIPERF will operate through three organs: an executive committee of regulatory heads, a technical committee of subject experts, and a secretariat to coordinate implementation.

The initiative traces back to 2024, when Komolafe first proposed AFRIPERF as a platform for regulators to tackle shared challenges and boost Africa’s influence in global energy discussions. Since then, the forum has held two preparatory meetings before culminating in this week’s breakthrough.

Observers say the creation of AFRIPERF highlights Africa’s growing determination to manage its hydrocarbon wealth responsibly, even as the world shifts toward cleaner energy systems.