Nigeria has achieved a significant milestone in regional energy governance. The African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF) has unanimously selected Nigeria as its official headquarters. Additionally, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), was elected chairman of the Forum.

During the inaugural executive committee meeting, held virtually, Ms. Eyoanwan Ndiyo-Aiyetan was also appointed as AFRIPERF’s secretary. Out of 16 participating countries, eight have so far ratified the treaty. These eight nations are now full members with voting rights.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Komolafe expressed gratitude for the trust and honour bestowed upon him. He pledged to ensure all member countries receive equitable attention and support.

AFRIPERF aims to bolster regional petroleum governance. It seeks to achieve this by promoting collaboration, cooperation, and coordination among member regulators.

WACOG Hails Komolafe’s Leadership and Nigeria’s Role

The West African Centre for Oil Governance (WACOG) has congratulated Engr. Gbenga Komolafe on his election. In a statement, WACOG described this development as a major boost. It will enhance regional energy integration and regulatory cohesion across Africa.

Dr. Mensah Kofi Adjei, WACOG’s executive director, signed the statement issued on Friday. He noted that Komolafe’s emergence highlights Nigeria’s growing leadership capacity. It also signals a new phase in harmonising petroleum regulatory frameworks continent-wide.

WACOG stressed that this dual endorsement is significant. It underscores Nigeria’s long-standing position as Africa’s largest oil producer. More importantly, it shows Nigeria’s renewed commitment to transparent, modern regulatory practices.

Dr. Adjei stated that Komolafe’s leadership at the NUPRC has drawn keen interest across West Africa. His reputation for strengthening technical standards and improving investor engagement makes him an exceptional choice. He is well-suited to steer AFRIPERF, Adjei added.

The Forum’s mandate requires a leader with both continental perspective and deep industry knowledge. Dr. Adjei believes Komolafe meets these criteria with distinction.

“Across Africa, regulators face dynamic global energy shifts,” the statement read. “They also contend with rapid technological disruption. The urgent need to leverage hydrocarbon resources for sustainable development is critical.”

“We are confident Engr. Komolafe will bring clarity, structure, and foresight. These are crucial to position African regulators as united, capable, and strategically aligned in this new era.”

WACOG further added that Komolafe’s appointment comes at a crucial period. African countries are striving to standardise petroleum regulations. They also aim to share data, strengthen local content, and engage more effectively with international energy markets.

Dr. Adjei expects the Forum to drive key reforms. These reforms will ensure African regulators speak with a stronger collective voice. This is especially important for issues like energy transition financing, investment security, emissions standards, and the future of African crude.

Nigeria hosting the headquarters will greatly benefit West African nations. They can leverage Nigeria’s extensive regulatory experience, technical expertise, and institutional memory in upstream petroleum governance.

WACOG urged AFRIPERF member-states to fully cooperate with the new leadership. A unified platform can shape policies that boost investor confidence and enhance energy security across the continent. This is a significant gain, it stressed.

The Centre also encouraged the Forum to prioritise capacity building. Many African regulators still face structural gaps. These gaps hinder effective supervision of upstream operations.

“Komolafe’s tenure must usher in an era where African regulators operate as a coordinated bloc,” the statement concluded. This bloc should be capable of defending the continent’s interests, rather than operating in silos.

WACOG reaffirmed its readiness to partner with AFRIPERF. This collaboration would focus on research, training exchanges, and policy dialogue. These initiatives aim to strengthen the region’s regulatory landscape.