The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has unveiled a detailed plan to help the country reach a daily crude oil production of 2.5 million barrels by 2027.
Speaking at the 2025 National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) conference in Lagos, the Commission’s Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, said the agency is focused on boosting output through production optimization and enhanced oil recovery.
Represented by Paul Osu, who heads NUPRC’s Lagos office, Komolafe said the Commission has been reviewing field development plans, supporting brownfield revitalization, and reopening shut-in wells — efforts expected to add over one million barrels per day to Nigeria’s production capacity.
He also emphasized that ensuring secure infrastructure and accurate measurement systems has been a major priority. Through partnerships with security agencies, private firms, and host communities, the Commission has achieved a sharp drop in crude theft — from more than 102,000 barrels per day in 2021 to around 9,600 barrels per day as of September 2025.
Komolafe noted that the agency’s success also extends to community development. By implementing the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), over 90 Trusts have been established across the Niger Delta to ensure funds go directly to host communities, strengthening peace and promoting stable production.
He explained that the positive turnaround in the upstream sector is the outcome of intentional reforms anchored on transparency, efficiency, and inclusiveness, aligning with Nigeria’s economic objectives and sustainability goals.
Komolafe further stressed the Commission’s commitment to the “Decade of Gas” initiative, describing natural gas as the country’s key transition fuel and a major driver for power generation, industrialization, and clean energy adoption.
He added that NUPRC is advancing gas monetization, curbing gas flaring, and encouraging investments to support a fair and balanced energy transition.
While acknowledging the growth of renewable energy, he maintained that hydrocarbons would remain crucial for industrial growth in developing economies. Komolafe assured that Nigeria’s oil and gas development will continue to follow international standards for efficiency, transparency, and environmental sustainability.
He concluded that NUPRC will keep working to sustain upstream growth, promote gas utilization, protect critical infrastructure, and maintain transparency as it moves toward the 2.5 million barrels per day goal by 2027.
