The board of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has officially begun work, outlining plans to reinforce regulation and improve the performance of Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry amid turbulence in global oil markets.
At a formal resumption in Abuja, board chairman Magnus Abe said the new leadership would work closely with the Commission’s management to reposition the agency and help it better deliver on its mandate under the Petroleum Industry Act.
Abe stressed the importance of cooperation between the board and management, noting that effective oversight and shared goals would be key to improving regulatory efficiency and overall sector outcomes. He also drew attention to workspace challenges facing staff, describing the need for improved office accommodation as an urgent priority that affects productivity.
The Commission Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, described the board’s inauguration as coming at a crucial time for the industry. She pointed to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the global shift toward cleaner energy as major factors creating uncertainty in oil and gas markets.
According to Eyesan, Nigeria must be prepared to navigate these pressures by strengthening its regulatory framework and ensuring the upstream sector remains competitive and resilient to external shocks. She added that ongoing reforms within the Commission are designed to enhance operational efficiency and improve investor confidence.
Representing the Federal Government, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the board’s inauguration reflects a broader commitment to strengthening institutions within the petroleum industry. He noted that the board is expected to provide strategic direction, maintain governance standards, and support policies that promote transparency and accountability.
Akume urged members to uphold regulatory independence while working collaboratively with stakeholders to advance national development goals in the energy sector.
The board’s resumption comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to raise crude oil output, tackle oil theft, and attract new investment into upstream operations in a rapidly changing global energy landscape.
Other members of the board include Sunday Babalola, Paul Jezhi, Bashari Indabawa, Muhammed Sabo Lamido, Patience Oyekunle, Mustapha Lamorde, and Dalhat Muhammad Kamal, while Olayemi Adeboyejo serves as Commission Secretary and Legal Adviser.
Established by the Petroleum Industry Act, the Commission oversees licensing, compliance, and resource management in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum segment.
