The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have announced a renewed commitment to closer collaboration, aimed at enhancing regulatory efficiency and attracting greater investment into the country’s oil and gas sector.
The agreement was formalised during a leadership meeting between the two agencies on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the NUPRC corporate headquarters in Abuja.
At the meeting, the regulators agreed to appoint representatives from each organisation to jointly identify and address regulatory issues spanning the upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of the petroleum industry. The initiative is intended to promote seamless regulation and support the overall growth of the sector.
Under the new framework, both agencies will institutionalise quarterly meetings to strengthen their working relationship and ensure timely resolution of emerging regulatory challenges.
Speaking at the session, NUPRC Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, highlighted the importance of inter-agency synergy, describing collaboration as critical to the sustainable development of the oil and gas sector.
“The oil and gas industry is the heartbeat of the nation’s economy. Whether upstream, midstream, or downstream, each segment plays a vital role,” Mrs. Eyesan stated. “We are committed to ensuring operational efficiency and driving substantial growth, but this can only be achieved through close cooperation.”
She further noted that the lines separating different segments of the industry are often blurred, making close regulatory coordination essential. She described the meeting as the beginning of deeper engagement, emphasising that both agencies are combining efforts to foster industry growth.
Mrs. Eyesan also sought NMDPRA’s support for the ongoing oil and gas licensing round, inviting the Authority’s Chief Executive to the pre-bid conference scheduled for January 14, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The licensing round, which offers 50 oil and gas blocks, is expected to attract substantial investment and enhance Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves.
In response, NMDPRA Chief Executive, Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, highlighted the shared institutional heritage of the two agencies, both of which emerged from the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).
“We must strengthen this relationship between brother and sister agencies,” Engr. Mohammed said, noting that any differences should be resolved internally and amicably for the benefit of the industry and the country.
He reaffirmed NMDPRA’s commitment to initiatives that promote regulatory clarity, investor confidence, and sustainable development across the petroleum value chain.
Industry observers have welcomed the renewed collaboration, suggesting it could help reduce regulatory overlaps, improve ease of doing business, and enhance Nigeria’s appeal as an investment destination in the global oil and gas market.
Both NUPRC and NMDPRA stated that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to regulatory efficiency and long-term sector growth, with potential benefits for government revenues, energy security, and the broader economy.
