The newly inaugurated board of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) on Tuesday formally resumed duties, with its Chairman, Senator Magnus Abe, pledging to strengthen leadership, improve institutional capacity, and enhance operational efficiency in the Commission.
Speaking shortly after the inauguration at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Abe assured the management of the board’s readiness to collaborate in advancing the agency’s mandate and supporting national economic goals.
He said: “I want to assure management that we are here strategically to work with you and see that, as much as possible, we work together to uplift the Commission and to help our country.”
He emphasised that the board would prioritise effective leadership and oversight, noting that securing a befitting office accommodation for staff would be a key focus to boost productivity.
“I believe that of all the priorities we should have, getting a proper office accommodation should take priority over everything else.”
In her remarks, the Commission Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, described the board’s inauguration as timely, given the volatility in global oil and gas markets driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
“The oil and gas industry is seeing volatility because of the war in the Middle East and the energy transition and its impact on the industry. Nigeria must position itself to respond appropriately,” she said, expressing confidence in the Commission’s readiness to navigate emerging challenges.
Eyesan reiterated management’s commitment to ongoing reforms in the upstream sector, stressing the importance of strategic direction from the board in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.
Earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said the inauguration reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening governance and institutional frameworks in the petroleum sector.
He charged the board to provide strategic oversight, ensure transparency and accountability, and promote investor confidence in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“As the apex governance body of the Commission, the board is expected to provide policy direction and institutional stability that will enhance sustainable development in the upstream sector,” Akume stated.
The newly inaugurated board includes Senator Magnus Abe as Chairman; Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as Commission Chief Executive; Engineer Sunday Babalola and Engineer Paul Jezhi as non-executive commissioners.
Others are Bashari Indabawa and Muhammed Sabo Lamido as executive commissioners; Mrs. Patience Oyekunle, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources; Engineer Mustapha Lamorde of NMDPRA; and Mr. Dalhat Muhammad Kamal of the Ministry of Finance. Ms. Olayemi Adeboyejo serves as Commission Secretary and Legal Adviser.
