Abuja: The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical governance as the foundation for sustainable growth in Nigeria's and Africa's hydrocarbon industry. Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive, NUPRC, emphasized this commitment at the 2025 International Conference on Hydrocarbon Science and Technology (ICHST) organized by the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Abuja. Represented by Dr. Kelechi Ofoegbu, Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services and Administration, NUPRC, Komolafe delivered a keynote address titled 'Ethical Governance: The Bedrock of Africa's Hydrocarbon Future', highlighting the importance of governance in the prosperity of Africa's energy sector.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Komolafe noted that the future of Africa's hydrocarbon sector is contingent not just on oil production but on governance that builds trust, attracts investment, and safeguards the environment. He cited Nigeria's progress in reducing gas flaring through its flare gas commercialization initiative, aimed at achieving total flare-out by 2030, as an example of ethical governance. This initiative has transformed the Niger Delta from a region characterized by wasteful flaring to one of renewed opportunity and economic empowerment.
He further mentioned the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs), established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, as a governance reform delivering tangible benefits to oil-producing communities, including the construction of schools, clinics, and roads. Under President Bola Tinubu's administration, Nigeria is pursuing a path of transparency, accountability, and fairness in the oil and gas sector through the PIA.
Komolafe detailed key initiatives by the commission to enhance transparency and accountability, such as the development of 25 new upstream regulations in consultation with the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and industry stakeholders. Additional efforts include the launch of the Public Register of Petroleum Concessions and Beneficial Ownership database, transparent conduct of licensing rounds through digital platforms, empowerment of indigenous oil firms, and implementation of the Metering and Measurement Audit Initiative to ensure accurate recording of oil production. These reforms have bolstered investor confidence, demonstrating that governance, rather than geology, attracts investment.
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) also reiterated its commitment to building human and institutional capacity for Africa's hydrocarbon transformation. Ahmed Aminu, Executive Secretary of PTDF, emphasized the need for Africa to position itself as a hub for innovation supported by strong policies and skilled manpower. Represented by Mr. Olayinka Agboola, General Manager, Strategic Planning and Documentation Department, PTDF, Aminu highlighted the fund's efforts in advancing Nigeria's energy-transition goals through scholarships, research funding, and partnerships to strengthen technical competence and knowledge transfer.
Aminu expressed that PTDF's collaboration with PTI reflects a shared vision to nurture a new generation of professionals and innovators to drive Africa's energy transformation. The theme of the conference underscores the importance of balancing growth, environment, and governance in transforming Africa's hydrocarbon sector.