Nigeria has been officially selected as the headquarters of the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), reinforcing its central role in Africa’s oil and gas sector. At the same time, Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), was elected chairman of the forum.
The announcement came during AFRIPERF’s inaugural executive committee meeting, held virtually and attended by representatives from 16 African countries. Komolafe, who previously served as interim chairman, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and pledged to ensure inclusive collaboration across all member nations. Eyoanwan Ndiyo-Aiyetan was also appointed as the forum’s secretary.
AFRIPERF aims to strengthen regional petroleum governance by fostering cooperation among national regulators. Its objectives include harmonizing petroleum regulations and standards, enhancing regulatory capacity through training, facilitating cross-border energy infrastructure projects, and providing a unified African voice in the global energy sector.
Of the 16 countries that attended, eight have ratified the forum’s treaty, becoming full members with voting rights. Komolafe emphasized that a strong executive committee will drive initiatives that promote investment, streamline regulations, and strengthen Africa’s strategic position in the evolving global energy market.
“With this platform, we are laying the foundation for a more harmonized and collaborative regulatory environment across the continent,” Komolafe said, highlighting the forum’s commitment to transparency, sustainable energy development, and best practices in petroleum exploration.
AFRIPERF will also foster dialogue with industry stakeholders and international organizations, encourage technology transfer, and advance ethical standards in the sector. Nigeria’s designation as headquarters and Komolafe’s leadership underscore the country’s influence as Africa’s largest crude oil producer and its growing role in shaping the continent’s energy policies.
