The Nigerians in Diaspora Assembly (NiDA) has praised Gbenga Komolafe. He is the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). This commendation follows his recent dual international honours.

Dr. Sani Abubakar, NiDA London President, and Mrs. Chioma Okorafor, Secretary, issued a statement on Saturday. They lauded Komolafe for boosting Nigeria’s international profile.

“These recognitions showcase the quality of leadership and innovation Nigerians offer globally,” the statement read. “Engineer Komolafe’s achievements prove that merit, integrity, and hard work are valued worldwide. They also strengthen Nigeria’s reputation for competent professionals.”

Transformative Leadership at NUPRC

The diaspora group praised Komolafe’s transformative leadership at NUPRC. They noted his role in implementing Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) reforms. He has also advanced indigenous participation in the sector.

“His leadership has brought significant progress to Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector,” the statement added. “This includes a rise in active rig counts and substantial fiscal surpluses. The Host Community Development Trust has surpassed N350 billion. This fund supports projects that promote peace and benefit local communities directly. These outcomes prove that responsible leadership fosters both economic growth and social development.”

Enhancing Nigeria’s Investment Appeal

The accolades further solidify Nigeria’s status. It is becoming a credible and attractive destination for energy investment.

NiDA London officials stated, “Komolafe has positioned Nigeria as a transparent and competitive hub for upstream investment. He achieved this by blending regulatory strictness with strategic vision. His work highlights African leadership’s potential to influence global energy discussions. It also inspires young Nigerians to pursue similar levels of professionalism and impact.”

Key Achievements Under Komolafe’s Tenure

Since taking office, Komolafe has driven significant growth in Nigeria’s upstream sector. Active rig counts rose dramatically. They increased from eight in 2021 to 69 by October 2025, a growth of over 760 percent. Revenue performance consistently exceeded government forecasts. Surpluses were 18.3 percent in 2022, 14.6 percent in 2023, and a remarkable 84.2 percent in 2024.

The Host Community Development Trust has invested billions. These funds support infrastructure and social programmes. This initiative strengthens ties between oil companies and local communities. It also aligns with international best practices.

“As Nigerians abroad, we are proud to see one of our own gain such prestigious recognition,” they affirmed. “We urge all citizens to uphold integrity and professionalism. This will ensure Nigeria remains a respected global player in development and energy.”