The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) say they are strengthening collaboration to improve operational efficiency and safeguard Nigeria’s energy security. The commitment follows a high-level meeting between the management teams of both institutions at the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja.
Mediaplusng.com reports that the meeting focuses on aligning regulatory oversight with national production goals, as both organisations reaffirm their shared responsibility as government institutions driving growth in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.
Speaking after the engagement, the Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, says the regulator and the national oil company have common objectives and must work closely to deliver sustainable outcomes for the country. She notes that collaboration remains critical to ensuring efficiency, transparency, and long-term stability in the energy sector.
Mediaplusng.com further reports that Eyesan stresses the need for coordinated action to strengthen Nigeria’s energy security, attract investment, and improve competitiveness in the global oil and gas market.
The NUPRC chief executive discloses that the commission is working with the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) to address the issue of multiple fees and rents that affect operators in the upstream sector. According to her, reducing regulatory bottlenecks will help improve Nigeria’s attractiveness to investors and enhance overall industry performance.
Eyesan explains that the review of fees and rents is part of broader reforms aimed at making Nigeria a more competitive oil and gas destination. She says the commission understands the concerns of operators and is committed to creating a balanced regulatory environment that supports growth while protecting national interests.
She also reveals that NUPRC is strengthening its systems for measurement and hydrocarbon accounting. According to her, accurate measurement and transparent accounting are essential for revenue assurance, production monitoring, and trust across the industry value chain.
Eyesan notes that improved hydrocarbon accounting will help Nigeria better track production volumes, reduce losses, and enhance confidence among investors and development partners. She adds that technology and data-driven regulation remain key pillars of the commission’s strategy.
In his remarks, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engineer Bayo Ojulari, reiterates the need for a stronger working relationship between the national oil company and the upstream regulator. He says effective collaboration is necessary to meet production targets and address operational challenges.
Ojulari congratulates Eyesan on her appointment as Commission Chief Executive and commends her leadership at the NUPRC. He says the commission continues to show strong regulatory direction, transparency, and professionalism in its engagement with industry stakeholders.
According to Ojulari, NUPRC’s regulatory approach is helping to shape an enabling environment that supports investment and operational excellence in Nigeria’s upstream sector. He says this is crucial at a time when global competition for energy investment is increasing.
The NNPC boss adds that a predictable and transparent regulatory framework helps operators plan better, reduce risks, and improve efficiency. He says NNPC remains committed to working closely with the regulator to achieve shared national goals.
Ojulari emphasizes that NNPC Limited, as a commercial entity, depends on clear rules and effective oversight to deliver value to Nigerians. He says collaboration with NUPRC will help streamline processes, reduce delays, and enhance production outcomes.
Industry observers say the renewed partnership between NUPRC and NNPC signals a positive step toward improving coordination in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. They note that closer cooperation could help resolve longstanding issues around regulation, costs, and operational efficiency.
Analysts also point out that addressing multiple fees and strengthening measurement systems could improve revenue transparency and reduce disputes between operators and regulators. They say such reforms are important for rebuilding investor confidence.
The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s oil and gas industry under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). Stakeholders say effective collaboration between regulators and operators is critical to achieving the objectives of the law.
As Nigeria works to increase production, improve revenue, and ensure energy security, both NUPRC and NNPC insist that partnership, transparency, and efficiency remain non-negotiable priorities.
Officials from both institutions express confidence that sustained engagement will deliver tangible benefits for the industry and the wider economy, while reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key energy player in Africa.
