The newly inaugurated board of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) formally assumed duties on 28 April 2026, with a resolute commitment to enhancing the Commission’s capacity to fulfil its statutory mandate.
Addressing the Commission’s leadership at its headquarters shortly after the inauguration ceremony, the Chairman of the NUPRC Board, Senator Magnus Abe, assured the management team of a collaborative and strategic partnership aimed at national advancement.
“I want to assure management that we are here strategically to work with you and see that, as much as possible, we work together to uplift the Commission and to help our country,” Senator Abe stated.
Highlighting the board’s core objectives of providing robust leadership and oversight, the Chairman identified the acquisition of a “befitting” office environment as a primary concern to maximise staff productivity. He maintained that providing proper accommodation for the Commission must take precedence over other immediate priorities to ensure operational excellence.
The Commission Chief Executive (CCE), Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, welcomed the new board, noting that their appointment arrives at a critical juncture for the global energy market. She cited the recent surge in oil and gas prices, driven by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, as a significant factor requiring steady institutional guidance.
“Today, the oil and gas industry is seeing volatility because of the war in the Middle East and the transition and its impact on the industry,” Mrs Eyesan remarked. She emphasised that Nigeria must position itself strategically to withstand global shocks and respond to the imperatives of the energy transition. She further expressed confidence that the Commission, guided by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), is well-positioned to manage any eventualities.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who presided over the inauguration, underscored the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to reforming the petroleum sector. He noted that the board’s role as the apex governance body is vital for fostering investor confidence and ensuring institutional stability.
Senator Akume stated that the development aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises strong institutions, the rule of law, and integrity in public service. He charged the new members to: Uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, Ensure absolute accountability and transparency, and Maintain regulatory independence while working constructively with stakeholders.
The newly constituted board comprises a blend of seasoned technocrats and public servants: Senator Magnus Abe (Chairman),Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan (Commission Chief Executive), Engineer Sunday Babalola (Non-Executive Commissioner), Engineer Paul Jezhi (Non-Executive Commissioner),Bashari Indabawa (Executive Commissioner), Muhammed Sabo Lamido (Executive Commissioner), Mrs Patience Oyekunle (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources), Engineer Mustapha Lamorde (Executive Director, HSEC, NMDPRA), Mr Dalhat Muhammad Kamal (Director, Ministry of Finance), and Ms Olayemi Adeboyejo (Commission Secretary and Legal Adviser)
The resumption of the board is expected to provide the necessary policy direction to navigate the complexities of the upstream sector while reforming the industry in line with international best practices.
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