- NUPRC pledged to boost innovation and sustainability in upstream oil and gas by adopting advanced technology and enforcing emission-reduction regulations.
- NNPC CEO Bayo Ojulari urged African countries to lead a just energy transition through regional collaboration, investment, and youth-driven innovation.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing innovation, decarbonisation, and sustainable practices in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas industry, leveraging emerging technologies and regulatory reforms.
Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of NUPRC, delivered the message on Monday, August 4, during the opening of the 48th Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) in Lagos, themed “Building a Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Policy.” Mr. Enorense Amadasu represented Komolafe.
Komolafe said the Commission is integrating advanced technologies, including real-time production monitoring, emission reduction strategies, and internal digital transformation to enhance service delivery and reduce operational delays.
“Our role goes beyond regulatory compliance,” he said. “We are building a stable, forward-looking upstream sector that balances energy security, environmental stewardship, and economic growth.”
According to him, NUPRC is driving changes aimed at entrenching transparency, reducing costs, and increasing investor confidence. “These are not just technical upgrades; they are strategic enablers of industry-wide transformation,” he said.
Komolafe also highlighted the importance of a resilient supply chain, noting that NUPRC supports technology domestication, local manufacturing, and indigenous participation. He emphasised human capital development as essential for Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon energy future, citing ongoing collaborations with universities and training institutions.
Since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in 2021, Komolafe said the Commission has gazetted 21 key regulations, including:
Upstream Petroleum Measurement Regulations for real-time, technology-driven production accountability
Gas Flaring, Venting, and Methane Emissions Regulations to drive emissions reduction and embed sustainability
Beyond regulations, NUPRC is implementing strategic initiatives to unlock marginal and stranded fields. These include stakeholder-driven cluster development plans for shallow and deepwater basins, and the 1 Million Barrels Per Day Incremental Production Initiative, which helped push crude output to 1.8 million bpd last month.
He also outlined progress on the Upstream Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Blueprint, built on seven investment-focused pillars. “We urge all operators to embed decarbonisation in their field development and facility design,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, Group CEO of NNPC Limited, called for Africa to take ownership of its energy transition, using local resources and regional collaboration.
Speaking virtually, Ojulari warned against copying externally driven models. “Africa’s transition must be contextual, just, and negotiated,” he said, stressing that millions still lack access to basic energy.
He cited carbon capture, hydrogen, AI in exploration, smart grids, and modular gas systems as vital innovations for Africa’s energy future. “These are not buzzwords. They are essential tools for achieving net-zero while expanding access,” he said.
Ojulari called for stronger governance, contract sanctity, and blended financing to attract investment and reduce sector risk. He advocated using hydrocarbons as a bridge to fund renewables, decarbonisation, and infrastructure.
He concluded by urging more investment in STEM education and youth empowerment. “The transition is about people, not just fuel,” he said. “This is the time to act with conviction and purpose.”
NUPRC and NNPC reaffirmed their commitment to building a sustainable, innovation-led energy sector that balances development goals with environmental responsibility.