— Commends the Critical role of the Media.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, says it remains fully committed to the national aspiration of adding one million barrels of oil to its daily production profile.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, stated this in a message to a two-day strategic media workshop for Energy Correspondents in Lagos.
He said the Commission would conduct another licensing round on December 1, 2025, which will be more transparent and globally competitive than the 2024 round.
According to him, the initiative is designed to open new frontiers, unlock fresh prospects and further strengthen the nation’s reserves base.
Komolafe, who was represented by the Deputy Director, Human Resources, Corporate Services and Administration, Efemona Bassey, highlited the critical role of the media in helping to reposition the oil and gas industry, given its strategic role as society’s watchdogs and the stewards of public trusts on information dissemmination.
“As you are aware, Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) is unequivocal in its mandate: the press, radio, television, and all agencies of mass communication shall always, be free to uphold the responsibility and accountability of government to the people. Likewise, Section 7(m) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 directs the NUPRC to publish reports and statistics on upstream petroleum operations, an obligation rooted in transparency and designed to stimulate the growth of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.”
“It is therefore clear that at the heart of both our missions, yours as the Fourth Estate of the Realm and ours, as a regulatory institution, is a shared commitment to openness, accountability and service to the Nigerian people.
Komolafe explained that the workshop was conceived with that shared purpose in mind, to give the media a deeper, behind-the-scenes understanding of the Commission’s work and Nigeria’s dynamic upstream petroleum industry, adding that over the past two days, experts from exploration, development, production, acreage management, economic regulation, host community relations, and other critical departments have offered first-hand insights into the sector’s evolving realities.
He noted that one central takeaway from these engagements is that, globally, investments in oil and gas are declining as countries intensify the shift towards cleaner energy. Despite this global headwind, Nigeria has continued to record steady, measurable progress in the upstream sector. This has been driven by the Commission’s regulatory instruments developed under the PIA and further reinforced by far-reaching Executive Orders.
“This year alone, Nigeria’s daily crude oil production has, on multiple occasions, exceeded 1.7 million barrels per day, demonstrating our capacity to surpass OPEC targets. Our rig count has risen to nearly 70, with over 40 rigs active. Final Investment Decisions valued in billions of dollars have been taken, and within the last 10 months, we have approved Field Development Plans worth approximately $20 billion.”
“However, as we advance these reforms and attract much-needed investments, the role of the media becomes more critical. Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading producer depends not just on policy, regulation and geology, but also on how the nation’s story is told. The oil and gas sector is highly sensitive to perception and your reporting has the power to reassure investors or deter them.”
” It is therefore essential that while you continue to inform the public, such reportage remains factual, contextual and development oriented. The narrative must reflect Nigeria’s aspirations, opportunities, and progress, not merely its challenges. In this regard, I once again urge you members of the Fourth Estate, to put the national interest at the center of your work, as the country competes on the global stage for energy investments.
“On our part, the NUPRC remains committed to deepening transparency. As the custodian of upstream data, we consistently publish updates on our website, across our social media platforms and through our quarterly magazine, The Upstream Gaze. We will continue to strengthen these channels and expand access to accurate, timely information. More so, we remain dedicated to nurturing our relationship with the media because we recognize that a strong partnership between the regulator and the press ultimately serves the Nigerian people.” Komolafe concluded.
