The Nigerian UPstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, says it has implemented series of transformative and regulatory interventions designed to reposition Nigeria’s upstream sector for competitiveness, resilience and sustainable growth, adding that through these efforts, the Commission is not only driving the rebound of the oil and gas industry, but also shaping Nigeria’s long-term energy future.
The Commission’s Chief Executive Officer, Engr Gbenga Komolafe, stated this while speaking on the topic: “Nigeria’s Energy Future and the Role of NUPRC in Driving Upstream Oil and Gas” at this year’s Annual Conference of the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria in Lagos.
Engr. Komolafe, who was represented by the Commission’s Director in charge of Lagos Office, Mr Paul Osu, said the Commission embarked on an ambitious campaign to acquire, reprocess and digitize seismic data across frontier and producing basins, as over 17,000 line-kilometres of 2D and 28,000 square kilometres of 3D seismic data have been reprocessed to global standards,
significantly reducing exploration risks and unlocking new investment frontiers.
“In addition, the Commission introduced a fully digitalized and transparent licensing process. During the 2024 mini-bid round, human interface was minimized and transparency maximized. The signature bonuses were reviewed downward from about $100 million to $10 million, to allow investors commit more resources to field development. This single decision
has strengthened investor confidence, encouraged early production and reinforced Nigeria’s reputation as an open and competitive upstream jurisdiction.” he said
The NUPRC Boss further explained that the Commission has prioritized production optimization and recovery enhancement. By reviewing field development plans, supporting brownfield optimization and enabling the re-entry of shut-in wells, the NUPRC has facilitated renewed activity across mature assets. These interventions are projected to deliver
incremental volumes exceeding one million barrels of oil per day, a key milestone toward achieving the national production target of 2.5 million BOPD by 2027.
On security, he said the Commission has collaborated with security agencies, private contractors and community stakeholders in implementing the upstream Measurement Regulation and the Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation. The result is a remarkable 90 percent reduction in crude oil theft from over 102,000 barrels per day in 2021 to 9,600 barrels per day as of September 2025.
“Equally transformative is our work in host
community development. By implementing the PIA’s Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) provisions, the Commission has successfully inaugurated over 90 Trusts across the Niger Delta, ensuring that development funds flow directly to communities. This model not only secures local ownership, but also guarantees peace, stability and continuity in production, key pillars for sustained
energy security.”
” The rebound we are witnessing in Nigeria’s upstream sector is not by chance; it is the outcome of deliberate regulatory design, anchored on transparency, efficiency and inclusiveness. The Commission’s strategic vision aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic goals and global sustainability commitment”, he said
Komolafe announced that the Commission was advancing Nigeria’s gas agenda as part of the “Decade of Gas” and the nation’s energy transition pathway, as Natural gas remains the most reliable transition fuel and a catalyst for industrialization, power generation and clean energy substitution. By promoting gas monetization, flare elimination and gas-based investments, the Commission is reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to a just and balanced energy transition. Globally, the context reinforces this direction. The IEA projects thatupstream investment will surpass $580 billion in 2025, marking a steady recovery from pandemic lows. While renewables will continue to grow, hydrocarbons will remain central to industrialization, particularly in emerging economies like Nigeria.
“Our task therefore, is to ensure that this production is done efficiently, transparently and sustainably, consistent with international best practice”.
The NUPRC recognizes NAEC as a strategic partner in the mission to deepen transparency and public awareness. We will continue to collaborate with your association through data access, training, and technical briefings, ensuring that the Nigerian public receives balanced, accurate and timely information about the upstream industry.
