The Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, has called for a stronger partnerships between the media and the Commission in shaping public understanding of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas reforms. He made the statement at the opening of a two day Strategic Media Workshop for Oil and Gas correspondents in Abuja, organised by the Public Affairs and Corporate Communications Department of the Commission.
Describing the media as a crucial partner in the ongoing transformation of the Upstream sector, Engr. Komolafe praised journalists for their consistent role in educating the public and clarifying the often misunderstood functions of NUPRC. He emphasized that transparent communication between the Commission and the press is key to building trust and ensuring accountability across the sector.
He also noted that the workshop was conceived not merely as a training session but as a strategic engagement to align narratives, clarify regulatory intent, and equip media practitioners with accurate insights into the Commission’s mandate under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
The CCE highlighted the Commission’s performance over the past few years, including the rise in Nigeria’s oil production from just over one million barrels per day to 1.7 million barrels, and the increase in rig count from 8 to 46. These improvements, he said, were driven by bold reforms, investor friendly regulation, and improved fiscal regimes introduced by the PIA.
According to him, the Commission’s current regulatory direction is anchored on lowering the unit cost of production and boosting investor confidence. He cited the Project 1 Million Barrel Additional Incremental as a flagship initiative aimed at unlocking more output in a cost effective manner.
Engr. Komolafe also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu’s signing of executive orders that have dismantled legacy bottlenecks, encouraged investment inflows, and enhanced the ease of doing business in the sector.
While acknowledging the challenges regulators face, including public criticism, legal battles, and reputational risks, Engr. Komolafe said these realities make collaboration with the media all the more important. He added that only through accurate reporting and mutual understanding can the public gain a clear view of the Commission’s purpose and performance.
He concluded by urging media professionals to continue supporting national objectives through responsible journalism, as NUPRC remains committed to regulatory excellence, transparency, and fostering a competitive and productive oil and gas sector.
