By Okpere Sharon Omoye
Oil and Gas Group Praises NUPRC for Strong Leadership in Petroleum Reforms
The Nigeria Oil and Gas Integrity Forum has praised the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for helping to bring real changes to the country’s oil and gas sector through the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
In a statement on Saturday, the group’s president, Vivian Okorafor, said passing the PIA was important, but it was the strong leadership of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe and his team at the NUPRC that made the real difference.
“The PIA was a big step, but the real success is what happened after. Without the hard work and clear leadership of the NUPRC, we would still be facing confusion and losing investors. Today, our oil sector is gaining back the trust of investors at home and abroad,” she said.
Okorafor praised the NUPRC for creating a better environment for businesses, saying that since Komolafe took charge, the industry has become more open and welcoming to investment.
“In the past, many investors left because things were not clear. But under Komolafe’s leadership, the rules are now open and fair. Transparent bidding, clear licenses, and easier procedures have made Nigeria competitive again,” she said.
The forum also praised the NUPRC for supporting Nigerian companies and giving local businesses more chances to grow.
“For the first time in many years, we are seeing more Nigerian companies playing big roles in the oil sector. This is because of new policies that support transparency, fairness, and local skills,” Okorafor said.
She also noted that the NUPRC’s use of technology has helped reduce corruption and made it easier for companies to meet regulatory requirements.
“Now, things like licensing and reporting are mostly digital, which makes it harder for bad practices to continue. Technology is helping to close the gaps and improve the system,” she said.
Okorafor said that the new fiscal rules introduced under the PIA have made Nigeria a more attractive place for oil and gas investors.
“Before the PIA, we were losing investments to other African countries like Angola and Ghana. Today, our terms are good again, our processes are clear, and investors have more confidence in Nigeria,” she said.
She called on President Bola Tinubu to continue protecting independent agencies like the NUPRC and to allow them to do their work without political interference.
“We urge Mr. President to protect strong institutions like the NUPRC. It is not strong individuals that build a country, but strong institutions. Komolafe and his team have shown that professionalism and hard work bring real results,” Okorafor said.
Read Also: Delta Police Kill Five (5) Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Weapons in Forest Raid
She added that although challenges still exist in the sector, Nigeria is now moving in the right direction.
“No law is perfect, and reforms are never easy. But with the strong leadership of the NUPRC in implementing the PIA, Nigeria now has a real chance to grow its oil and gas industry in a way that benefits everyone,” she said.
The Nigeria Oil and Gas Integrity Forum promised to keep supporting efforts that promote transparency, create more opportunities, and ensure that Nigeria’s oil wealth benefits all its people.
