- NUPRC Chief Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan has urged African regulators to strengthen AFRIPERF to harmonise energy regulations and unlock large-scale oil and gas investment.
- She said inconsistent policies, not resource potential, remain the biggest barrier to cross-border energy projects in Africa.
The Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, urged African regulators to strengthen the African Petroleum Regulators’ Forum to harmonise energy regulation and unlock investment across the continent.
She delivered this message during a keynote address at the Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja. Mr Edu Inyang delivered the address on her behalf. The session focused on the theme, “One Africa, One Regulator Voice: Aligned Policies for Continental Prosperity and Investment.”
Inconsistent regulatory frameworks across African countries discourage cross-border energy projects. Therefore, a unified regulatory voice lowers investment risks and accelerates project execution across the continent. In addition, stronger coordination improves investor confidence and shortens project timelines.
Eyesan said investors avoid regulatory uncertainty rather than Africa’s resource potential. As a result, regulators created AFRIPERF to drive regulatory alignment, improve predictability and support faster execution of regional energy projects. Furthermore, the platform promotes policy coordination among petroleum regulators.
AFRIPERF already promotes aligned standards, shared data systems and capacity development programmes. Moreover, it strengthens Africa’s collective voice in global energy and climate discussions.
Africa holds about eight per cent of global oil and gas reserves. In addition, the continent holds nearly 30 per cent of global critical mineral resources. Meanwhile, Africa’s population exceeds 1.5 billion people, with a large share made up of young and economically active citizens.
Governments can drive industrialisation and strengthen regional value chains when they implement coordinated policies and integrated infrastructure. Similarly, aligned regulations improve energy security and support inclusive economic growth.
Despite the global push for cleaner energy, oil and gas still support Africa’s development. For example, these resources support electricity generation, clean cooking, petrochemical production and fertiliser manufacturing. In addition, they generate government revenues that fund infrastructure and social services.
African countries have presented unified positions at global climate platforms, including COP meetings. Consequently, global stakeholders now recognise Africa’s development priorities and the role of gas as a transition fuel.
The Africa Energy Bank, which operates from Nigeria, mobilises African capital for African energy projects. In turn, this effort helps close financing gaps created by declining global capital flows into fossil fuel projects.
Eyesan urged African regulators to deepen cooperation through AFRIPERF. Additionally, she encouraged the expansion of regional gas and electricity networks. Finally, she called for shared sustainability standards and a unified African voice in global energy discussions.