The African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF) has adopted Nigeria as its official headquarters. The Forum also elected Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), as the chairman.
Before the ratification of the appointment, Komolafe had served as interim chairman of AFRIPERF.
According to a statement by NUPRC on Wednesday, the appointment was announced at the inaugural executive committee meeting of the Forum, which took place virtually on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
At the meeting that was attended by representatives from 16 African countries, Eyoanwan Ndiyo-Aiyetan, who is the head of International Relations at NUPRC, also emerged as secretary of AFRIPERF.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Targets $10bn Investments from 2025 Licensing Round As NUPRC Opens Portal
NUPRC said the development affirms Nigeria’s central role in the African petroleum regulatory space and as the continent’s largest producer of crude oil.
While accepting the role, Komolafe commended his African counterparts for their faith and honour, promising to ensure that no member country will be left behind.
“We are laying the foundation for a more harmonized and collaborative regulatory environment across Africa,” Komolafe assured.
AFRIPERF seeks to improve regional petroleum governance by encouraging collaboration, cooperation, and coordination among member regulators.
Eight countries have allegedly ratified the forum’s treaty, allowing them full membership and voting rights.
NUPRC had in September announced that Nigeria spearheaded the signing of a charter establishing the African petroleum regulators forum.
The appointment and adoption of Nigeria as headquarters comes one year after Komolafe submitted the proposal seeking the creation of AFRIPERF to strengthen petroleum governance across Africa.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in Mass Communication. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X
