The West Africa Centre for Energy Policy and Reforms (WACEPR) has congratulated the Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, on receiving the SERVICOM Outstanding Leadership Award, describing the recognition as a well-deserved honour for a reform-driven technocrat.
In a statement issued on Friday in Accra and signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Kwabena Mensah-Ashitey, the Ghana-based think tank commended Komolafe for restoring transparency, efficiency, and professionalism to Nigeria’s upstream regulatory environment since assuming office as the pioneer head of the NUPRC following the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“Under Engr. Komolafe, NUPRC has proven to be a model of institutional independence and technical competence within West Africa’s oil governance space,” the statement read.
WACEPR noted that the NUPRC has made significant progress in implementing the fiscal provisions of the PIA, deepening host community engagement, and promoting data transparency in hydrocarbon production reforms that have repositioned Nigeria’s upstream sector for global competitiveness.
Dr. Mensah-Ashitey praised the Commission’s equitable implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), which he said gives oil-producing communities a direct voice in project planning, benefit distribution, and environmental management. He also highlighted the agency’s strides in production optimisation, hydrocarbon measurement, and decarbonisation, aligning with global energy transition goals.
“Nigeria now publishes clearer data on production, investment flows, and environmental performance. These efforts attract investors and assure citizens that the nation’s petroleum wealth is being managed with integrity,” the Centre stated.
WACEPR also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for maintaining a policy of non-interference in the operations of NUPRC, saying it has allowed the regulator to perform professionally and uphold the spirit of the PIA.
“President Tinubu deserves commendation for granting the Commission the autonomy it requires. NUPRC’s independence under his administration is a refreshing model in a region where regulatory capture has often undermined energy reforms,” Dr. Mensah-Ashitey added.
The Centre further lauded Komolafe’s collaboration with international development partners, including the World Bank and the Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership, to drive decarbonisation and strengthen emission-management standards in Nigeria’s upstream industry.
“As Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria’s example under Komolafe’s leadership offers valuable lessons to other resource-dependent economies. His focus on service delivery, staff welfare, and institutional ethics reflects a leadership style rooted in public service and long-term value creation,” the statement noted.
WACEPR urged other energy regulators across the sub-region to emulate NUPRC’s performance-driven culture, described Komolafe’s SERVICOM award as “a testament to what is achievable when competence meets integrity in public service.”
