The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) have welcomed its newly inaugurated board into office on April 28, 2026, with the new board members pledging to sharpen the agency’s focus on Petroleum Industry Act duties amid global oil shocks.
Leadership Pledges Strategic Support
Board Chairman Senator Magnus Abe assured NUPRC management of close collaboration to elevate the commission’s performance and benefit Nigeria. In a statement from Head of Media and Corporate Communications Eniola Akinkuotu, Abe emphasized providing superior leadership, oversight, and prioritizing a modern office space to boost staff productivity. “Getting proper office accommodation should take priority over everything else,” he declared.
CEO Highlights Timely Mandate
Commission Chief Executive Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan welcomed the board, noting its critical role in guiding the agency through global challenges. She pointed to surging oil and gas prices from the Middle East crisis and the energy transition as key opportunities. “Nigeria must position itself to respond to both the energy transition and Middle East disruptions,” Eyesan stated, reaffirming management’s dedication to industry reforms.
Government Backs Governance Push
Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, speaking at the event, highlighted the federal government’s resolve to bolster petroleum sector governance.
Board Composition
- Chairman: Senator Magnus Abe
- Commission Chief Executive: Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan
- Non-executive Commissioners: Engineer Sunday Babalola, Engineer Paul Jezhi
- Executive Commissioners: Bashari Indabawa, Muhammed Sabo Lamido
- Others: Mrs. Patience Oyekunle (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources), Engineer Mustapha Lamorde (Executive Director, HSEC, NMDPRA), Mr. Dalhat Muhammad Kamal (Director, Ministry of Finance)
- Commission Secretary/Legal Adviser: Ms. Olayemi Adeboyejo
This inauguration positions NUPRC to navigate volatility and drive upstream reforms effectively.
