WorldStage– Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the nation’s upstream oil regulator has raised the bar for indigenous producers, pressing them to tighten standards, deepen workforce capacity, and entrench strong corporate governance as the industry adjusts to post-divestment realities.
The Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Mrs. Oritsemeyewa Eyesan, gave the charge to the Independent Petroleum Producers Group during a meeting in Abuja, underscoring the need for operators to align with global benchmarks and the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.
Eyesan described the IPPG as a significant force in the industry, particularly following the divestment of international oil companies. She noted that the Commission values its relationship with the group.
She, however, emphasised adherence to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021, stressing the importance of human capital development and strong corporate governance.
“One area I think we need to spotlight is human capital development. As the industry grows, there is a tendency for default, and if we allow that to fester, it will hurt all of us.
“Because we are in a global market, financiers are rating Nigeria; they are not rating companies. If we do not bring our human capacity up to par, then we will be creating a big problem for ourselves.”
Eyesan urged the IPPG to hold its members to the highest standards, just like their foreign counterparts.
“As a pressure group, you should hold yourselves to a standard. I think that is one of the things the IOCs have done very well,” she stated.
Eyesan assured the IPPG delegation that the Commission remains committed to its mandate as a business enabler and will continue to be responsive to industry needs in line with the aspirations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She further announced that the Commission has gone paperless as part of its commitment to digitisation.
“When I took over, we realised we needed to transform, and we set up a transformation team. We are happy to announce that on Friday, April 18, 2026, we went paperless, and everybody collaborated to make it happen,” Eyesan said.
Responding, the IPPG Chairman, Adegbite Falade, commended the CCE for what he described as “the renewed hope of your leadership in NUPRC,” noting that the industry has experienced noticeable changes since she assumed office in December 2025.
Falade said, “You have not been here for long, but the signs are very clear as to your dynamic leadership. We will not stop emphasising that because we do not take it for granted.”Falade, who is also the CEO of Aradel Holdings, urged the Commission to regularly consult with the IPPG, adding, “You can always count on and trust that the Nigerian agenda is at the heart of our mandate.”
