The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, has said the Commission’s monthly engagement with operators across Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry has played a significant role in shaping policies, addressing operational challenges and driving reforms in the sector.
Eyesan stated this on Monday while delivering his remarks at the opening ceremony of the 49th Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE 2026), organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers Nigeria Council in Lagos.
He explained that the Commission instituted a monthly industry parley to foster continuous dialogue with exploration and production companies, investors and other stakeholders, noting that the initiative has strengthened collaboration and enhanced regulatory responsiveness.
According to him, many of the reforms introduced by the Commission in recent years were products of constructive engagements with industry players during the monthly sessions.
“The monthly parley has become an important platform for identifying challenges, generating practical solutions and aligning regulatory actions with industry realities. It has helped us shape policies that promote investment, improve operational efficiency and support sustainable growth of the upstream sector,” She said.
Eyesan noted that Nigeria’s oil and gas industry is undergoing a period of transformation driven by the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the global energy transition and the country’s quest to remain competitive in attracting investment.
He said the Commission remains committed to creating a transparent, predictable and investment-friendly regulatory environment capable of unlocking Nigeria’s vast hydrocarbon resources while ensuring environmental sustainability and value creation for the country.
The NUPRC boss commended the Society of Petroleum Engineers Nigeria Council for sustaining the NAICE conference over the years, describing it as one of Africa’s foremost platforms for technical knowledge sharing, policy dialogue and industry collaboration.
She urged industry operators, government agencies, investors and professionals to continue working together to address emerging challenges, accelerate innovation and position Nigeria as a preferred destination for upstream oil and gas investment.
The 49th edition of NAICE, themed “Thriving in the Evolving Global Energy Landscape: Collaborative Growth and Resilience,” has brought together policymakers, regulators, international oil companies, indigenous operators, service providers, academics and energy professionals to deliberate on the future of Nigeria’s energy industry and strategies for achieving sustainable growth amid global energy transition.
