By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has urged media practitioners to continue providing accurate, development-focused reporting on Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, emphasizing the critical role of the press in fostering transparency and attracting investment.
The Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of NUPRC, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe (D. Sc), OFR, FNSE, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Human Resources, Corporate Services and Administration, NUPRC, Efemona Bassey, delivered the message at the closing of a two-day strategic media workshop for energy correspondents held at Vintano Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.
The workshop, organized by the Commission’s Corporate Communications and Media Unit, aimed to provide journalists with a comprehensive understanding of Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry and the Commission’s regulatory framework.
Komolafe highlighted the alignment between the missions of the media and the NUPRC, noting that both are anchored in accountability, transparency, and service to the Nigerian public.
He referenced Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 7(m) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which mandate free press oversight and the publication of upstream petroleum data.
The CCE noted Nigeria’s resilience in the global energy landscape, despite declining international oil and gas investments.
“This year alone, Nigeria’s daily crude oil production has, on multiple occasions, exceeded 1.7 million barrels per day, surpassing OPEC targets.
Our rig count has risen to nearly 70, with over 40 rigs active, and we have approved Field Development Plans worth approximately $20 billion over the last ten months,” Komolafe said.
Looking ahead, he revealed plans for a new licensing round on December 1, 2025, expected to be more transparent and globally competitive than the 2024 round. This initiative aims to unlock new investment opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s oil reserves.
Komolafe emphasized the media’s influence on investment perceptions, urging journalists to report factually and contextually while highlighting Nigeria’s progress and opportunities.
“Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading oil producer depends not just on policy and regulation, but also on how the nation’s story is told,” he said.
The NUPRC continues to enhance transparency by publishing data through its website, social media platforms, and quarterly magazine,
The Upstream Gaze. Komolafe concluded by echoing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call to journalists: “Report boldly, but do so truthfully. Critique government policy with knowledge and fairness, aiming to build a better society.”