The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has urged stakeholders across the oil and gas industry to deepen collaboration as Nigeria seeks to build a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable upstream petroleum sector amid the rapidly changing global energy landscape.
Speaking at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE 2026) in Lagos, the Commission Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, stressed that stronger partnerships are critical to attracting investment, encouraging innovation, and ensuring the long-term growth of Nigeria’s upstream industry.
Eyesan explained that the NUPRC has adopted a collaborative regulatory approach by maintaining regular engagement with operators, investors, and other industry stakeholders through monthly meetings and extensive consultations. According to her, these interactions have played a vital role in developing effective regulations, operational guidelines, and policies that support industry growth.
She noted that Nigeria’s upstream sector is operating in an era of significant global transformation, driven by geopolitical shifts, climate change policies, technological advancements, artificial intelligence, evolving investment trends, and increasing global energy demand.
According to her, these developments are fundamentally changing how energy is produced, transported, and consumed worldwide, making it essential for regulators and industry players to remain flexible and forward-looking.
Eyesan, however, emphasized that while the changing energy landscape presents new challenges, it also creates valuable opportunities for countries willing to embrace innovation, strengthen partnerships, and position themselves strategically within the evolving global energy market.
She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to creating a transparent, investor-friendly regulatory environment that encourages responsible investment, promotes technological advancement, and supports sustainable development across Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry.
The NUPRC boss added that sustained collaboration between government, regulators, operators, and other stakeholders will be key to enhancing the sector’s resilience, increasing production, and ensuring Nigeria remains competitive in the global energy industry.
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