NUPRC seeks stronger industry collaboration for energy growth
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has called for stronger collaboration among government, regulators and industry stakeholders to build a resilient and globally competitive petroleum sector.
The Chief Executive of NUPRC, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, made the call on Monday in Lagos at the 49th Society of Petroleum Engineers Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE 2026).
Eyesan said sustained dialogue and strategic partnerships were essential to strengthening Nigeria’s energy security and driving economic growth amid the changing global energy landscape.
She described the conference as one of Africa’s leading technical and strategic energy platforms, bringing together policymakers, regulators, operators, researchers and young professionals.
According to her, the conference theme, “Thriving in the Evolving Global Energy Landscape: Collaborative Growth and Resilience,” reflects the realities confronting the oil and gas industry.
“For Nigeria, this conference is more than an annual gathering. It is a platform where ideas are transformed into practical actions,” she said.
Eyesan said several reforms currently reshaping Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector had benefited from recommendations and technical contributions made during previous SPE conferences and similar industry engagements.
She noted that regular consultations between the commission, operators and other stakeholders had helped create a more transparent, predictable and investor-friendly regulatory environment.
“The best policies and regulations are built through collaboration. By listening, learning and working together, we are building a regulatory system that is practical, responsive and forward-looking,” she said.
Eyesan stressed that resilient energy systems, sustained investment and long-term industry growth could only be achieved through strong partnerships.
She said technical conferences and workshops remained important platforms for developing practical solutions that strengthen regulatory frameworks and improve the investment climate.
The NUPRC chief urged participants to engage in constructive discussions, challenge existing assumptions and propose innovative solutions to the challenges facing the petroleum industry.
She assured stakeholders that the commission would continue to consider industry recommendations in developing future policies and regulations.
Eyesan expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, citing the country’s abundant oil and gas reserves, growing indigenous petroleum industry, youthful workforce, improving regulatory framework and strategic location.
She said these advantages positioned Nigeria to adapt to the global energy transition while playing a leading role in shaping the future of the industry.
She congratulated the Society of Petroleum Engineers Nigeria Council for organising the conference and urged participants to move beyond discussions to practical collaboration.
“Together, let us build an energy industry driven by collaboration, innovation and resilience that supports sustainable economic growth and national energy security,” she said.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mallam Rabiu Umar, said Nigeria was on course to becoming Africa’s refining hub.
Umar said the Authority would pursue a regulatory approach that was firm, fair and fast to encourage investment, strengthen energy security and expand the nation’s gas economy.
He identified energy security, gas expansion and regulatory excellence as the Authority’s three strategic priorities.
According to him, predictable and efficient regulation remains essential for attracting investment and supporting industry growth.
Umar said Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry was being transformed by the emergence of large-scale private and modular refineries.
He said the development would enable the country to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, retain more value from its crude resources and expand opportunities in the petrochemical and gas sectors.
The NMDPRA boss disclosed that the Authority was working with the NUPRC to enforce domestic crude supply obligations to guarantee adequate feedstock for local refineries.
On energy security, Umar said the Authority was prioritising the rehabilitation of pipeline infrastructure, strategic petroleum storage and nationwide product distribution.
He added that the NMDPRA was collaborating with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to strengthen pipeline integrity, improve digital monitoring systems and ensure stable product supply nationwide.
Umar described natural gas as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy transition.
He said the Authority was accelerating gas utilisation for power generation, industries and transportation while expanding the adoption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
He disclosed that another round of gas distribution licences would soon be issued following the completion of a nationwide gas market mapping exercise to identify viable distribution clusters.
On gas pricing, Umar said the government remained committed to transitioning to a willing buyer-willing seller framework in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) as infrastructure and market conditions improve
