NUPRC Lauded For Transparency Efforts In PIA Implementation

Experts, civil society actors, and community representatives have lauded the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its commitment to transparency and accountability in implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Naija News gathered that the commendation came during a one-day stakeholder forum held in Warri, Delta State, themed “Situation Room on Monitoring of PIA”.

The event was jointly organised by the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) and Shafana Enterprises Limited.

Dr. Henry Efemona Idudje of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, described NUPRC as a “stabilising force” in the sector, praising the Commission’s efforts to make the upstream regulatory environment more transparent.

“Under Komolafe, the Commission has taken visible steps to end the era of opaque regulation in the upstream sector. From transparent licensing rounds to clearer fiscal disclosures, we are seeing improvements in how the sector is managed,” Idudje said.

He noted that successful PIA implementation could reduce host community tensions and attract long-term investments if transparency and consistency are maintained.

Dr. Arisabor Lucky, a petroleum law expert, highlighted the strengthening of institutional frameworks under the PIA, pointing to NUPRC’s “visible commitment to due process and accountability.”

“The law is only as effective as its enforcers. What we’ve seen from the NUPRC so far, particularly with respect to host community provisions and reporting obligations, is commendable,” he said.

Representatives from academic institutions also praised the Commission’s openness to engagement.

A speaker from the Nigeria Maritime University said NUPRC’s willingness to involve civil society and share data marks a significant shift from past practices.

“We urge the Commission to keep that door open,” the representative said.

Mallam Nasir Abdulquadri, Project Manager at Shafana Enterprises, stated that the forum aimed to evaluate how agencies like NUPRC are delivering on the promises of the PIA.

“The PIA is one of the most consequential legislative interventions in Nigeria’s oil and gas history. What we need now is consistency and openness. NUPRC, under Komolafe, is showing that commitment,” he said.

He added that enhanced monitoring, community feedback mechanisms, and cross-agency collaboration would help consolidate the gains already made.

Meanwhile, the NUPRC has announced that the streamlining and automation of its regulatory processes have significantly reduced bureaucratic delays and enhanced operational efficiency in Nigeria’s oil and gas upstream sector.

Chief Executive of the Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, made this known during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) at the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja.

Led by IPPG Chairman and Waltersmith Group head, Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa, the delegation met with the NUPRC to explore deeper collaboration and express appreciation for the Commission’s role in facilitating recent industry transitions.

Komolafe noted that since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Commission has implemented key policies to improve the regulatory landscape. Among these, he highlighted the automation of licensing and permitting processes, which has curtailed paperwork and reduced delays.

“The granting of licences and permits has been automated, eliminating unnecessary bottlenecks and improving service delivery across the sector,” Komolafe said in a statement issued by the Commission.

The NUPRC boss also highlighted the introduction of the “drill or drop” policy, which mandates licence holders to either commence production within a stipulated period or forfeit their rights. The initiative is aimed at ensuring efficient asset utilisation and increasing government revenue.

According to the NUPRC, the meeting also served as a platform for the IPPG to commend the Commission’s oversight during recent asset divestments by international oil companies. The transition of these assets to local firms is considered a landmark moment in Nigeria’s energy sector.

“These divestments, which were closely overseen by the Commission, have enabled a significant transfer of upstream oil and gas assets to indigenous operators,” the statement read.