A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has lauded Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), for his transparency, efficiency, and significant contributions to Nigeria’s oil sector. The coalition, which includes groups like Rising-Up for a United Nigeria and Guardians of Democracy and Development Initiative, highlighted Komolafe’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda during a press conference in Abuja on Monday.
Amb. Solomon Adodo, leader of the coalition, praised Komolafe for enhancing oil regulatory activities and increasing strategic production output. He noted that Komolafe’s leadership has led to a significant boost in crude oil output and earnings, contributing to Nigeria’s economic recovery under Tinubu’s administration.
The coalition commended Komolafe for receiving the prestigious Sun Public Service Award, among other recognitions, and for fostering transparency and attracting more upstream oil investors. They emphasized his role in reducing crude oil theft, reactivating inactive wells, and increasing Nigeria’s crude oil production from below one million barrels per day to above 1.6 million barrels per day.
Key achievements under Komolafe’s tenure include:
– Comprehensive audits to reduce crude oil theft and enhance transparency.
– A study to reactivate inactive wells, potentially unlocking 700,000 barrels of oil per day.
– Issuance of the first Petroleum Exploration License for a major geophysical survey in the Niger Delta.
– Advancing the mini bid licensing round for deep offshore Petroleum Prospecting Licenses, increasing the country’s crude oil reserves.
– Developing a Domestic Gas Delivery Obligation to boost domestic gas production and lower prices.
– Transitioning the management of Fiscal Oil Prices to NUPRC, enhancing revenue optimization.
– Re-engineering the Nigeria National Data Repository and aligning regulations with global energy transition goals.
– Implementing the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme to monetize flared gas and reduce emissions.
The coalition also noted the incorporation of 111 Host Communities Development Trusts to foster a conducive business environment and curb community unrest. Komolafe’s efforts have resulted in increased investor confidence and stability in Nigeria’s upstream oil sector.
In conclusion, the CSOs warned detractors against undermining Komolafe’s progress, emphasizing the need for continued support and focus on maintaining Nigeria’s position as a global reference point in the upstream oil industry.
