SPENAICE 2025: Nigeria’s Upstream Regulator Charts Path to Energy Security, Sustainable Growth

Engr Gbenga Komolafe, the Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) reaffirmed NUPRC’s dedication to stability, growth, and sustainability in Nigeria’s upstream industry, while pledging continued support for collaborative efforts to secure the nation’s energy future.

The NUPRC CCE stated this in a powerful address delivered at the opening of the 48th Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE), today, August 4 in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Upstream Regulator unveiled a comprehensive vision for achieving energy security while balancing environmental and economic sustainability in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

Speaking on the conference theme, “Building a Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources and Policy,” Komolafe called for collective action among industry players to future-proof the sector through innovation, strategic policy implementation, and environmental responsibility.

“Our responsibility goes beyond compliance. We are focused on enabling a stable, efficient, and forward-looking upstream sector, one that balances the imperatives of energy security, environmental responsibility, and economic sustainability,” Komolafe declared.

Highlighting technology as the foundation for a modern, resilient upstream industry, Komolafe noted that NUPRC is promoting the adoption of cutting-edge tools, including digitalization, machine learning, and artificial intelligence in exploration and production. These efforts, he said, are vital to decarbonisation and emissions reduction.

Komolafe, who was represented by Mr.Enorense Amadasu, Executive Commissioner, Development and Production of the NUPRC, revealed that the Commission itself has upgraded its regulatory processes through technology, improving service delivery, reducing turnaround times, and enhancing transparency in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Komolafe underscored the need for a reliable, robust supply chain to ensure efficiency and reduce costs. He detailed ongoing regulatory efforts to encourage local content, domesticate technology, and support both indigenous and international service companies.

On human resources, he emphasized the critical role of developing skilled manpower to meet the demands of a low-carbon future. The NUPRC, he said, is collaborating with educational institutions and professional bodies to build capacity and ensure that Nigeria’s energy workforce remains competitive globally.

Since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, Komolafe noted that NUPRC has gazetted 21 key regulations to create clarity for investors, streamline operations, and align Nigeria’s upstream sector with global standards.

He highlighted flagship regulations directly supporting sustainability, such as:

• Gas Flaring, Venting and Methane Emissions Regulations, aimed at emissions control and decarbonisation.
• Host Community Development Regulations, which promote social inclusion and local benefits.
• Domestic Gas Delivery Obligation Regulations, ensuring increased energy access.
• Upstream Petroleum Safety Regulations, which safeguard workforce and assets.

“These instruments demonstrate our commitment to fostering innovation, securing long-term value, and ensuring responsible stewardship of Nigeria’s upstream resources,” Komolafe stated.

Providing industry updates, Komolafe announced that Nigeria reached a peak production of 1.8 million barrels per day (MMBOPD) in July, with average production at 1.78 MMBOPD, marking steady progress towards the presidential mandate to ramp up output.

He pointed to the ongoing Project 1 MMBOPD Incremental Initiative, cluster development strategies for stranded and marginal fields, and optimization of maximum efficient rate frameworks as measures underpinning these gains.

In a landmark move, the NUPRC is implementing an Upstream Oil & Gas Decarbonisation & Sustainability Blueprint structured around seven pillars. This strategy seeks to embed decarbonisation measures in field development, facility engineering, and production operations, positioning Nigeria for sustainable production and attracting long-term investment.

Concluding his speech, Komolafe urged all stakeholders to translate the dialogue at NAICE into actionable commitments that balance the need for increased energy production with the pressing imperative of environmental sustainability.

“Building a sustainable energy future will demand trade-offs, innovation, and coordinated effort. The conversations here must be followed by action from all of us,” he charged.

Komolafe reaffirmed NUPRC’s dedication to stability, growth, and sustainability in Nigeria’s upstream industry, pledging continued support for collaborative efforts to secure the nation’s energy future.