Nigeria and seven other African countries have signed a landmark charter establishing the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), a new platform designed to harmonize petroleum regulations and promote investment across the continent.
The signing ceremony took place on Thursday on the sidelines of the 31st Africa Oil Week in Accra, Ghana. It was chaired by the chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and interim AFRIPERF chairman, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.
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According to the NUPRC, regulators from 16 African countries attended the event, but eight nations—Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, and Togo—formally endorsed the AFRIPERF Charter.
Engr. Komolafe, who described the development as “a decisive step towards a harmonized and sustainable petroleum industry in Africa,” stressed the importance of collaboration in driving growth and transparency.
“This Charter is not just a document—it is a commitment by African nations to manage our hydrocarbon resources responsibly and innovatively in the face of global energy transitions,” he said.
The AFRIPERF Charter sets up three key structures: an Executive Committee of regulatory agency heads to steer implementation, a Technical Committee of experts to tackle regulatory challenges, and a Secretariat to coordinate activities. These, Komolafe noted, will ensure accountability and delivery of results within set timelines.
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“The harmonization of petroleum regulations is essential for reducing regulatory fragmentation, attracting investment, and safeguarding safety and environmental standards,” he added.
Senator Etang Williams, chairman of Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Upstream, attended as an observer and welcomed the initiative, calling it “a significant milestone for Africa’s oil and gas sector.” He said the united front would boost the continent’s negotiating power and improve sector governance.
AFRIPERF’s mission is to enhance cooperation among petroleum regulators to ensure a safe, efficient, equitable, and sustainable industry. Its vision is to serve as the premier platform for sharing knowledge and best practices in petroleum governance across Africa.
Engr. Komolafe also highlighted broader benefits, including promotion of ethical practices, transparency, digitalization, renewable integration, and support for emission reduction. He suggested aligning AFRIPERF’s Annual General Meeting with Africa Oil Week to encourage wider participation.
With eight countries already on board and seven others pledging support, AFRIPERF is poised to reshape Africa’s oil and gas landscape. The Forum’s next steps include electing a chairperson, nominating regulatory representatives, and designating its headquarters.
“This is a historic day,” Komolafe concluded. “Together, we are laying the foundation for Africa’s petroleum future—collaborative, sustainable, and investment-friendly.”
