In a shift from traditional oversight, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has declared that the nation’s ambitious oil production targets will not be met through merely issuing regulations, but through active partnership with the industry players.
At a three-day leadership retreat held at the Isimi Resort in Epe, Lagos, the NUPRC unveiled a new operational philosophy designed to boost output to 2 million barrels per day by next year and 3 million barrels per day by 2030.
“The NUPRC, as the leader of the upstream sector, understands that this will not come from the conventional bureaucratic approach of merely issuing regulations and guidelines,” stated Eniola Akinkuotu, Head of Media and Corporate Communications for the Commission. “Rather, such milestones will only be achieved by treating regulation as a service.”
Akinkuotu said that instead of issuing directives from above, the NUPRC is opening direct channels with operators to identify operational bottlenecks and provide targeted support.
”So, instead of just telling the oil companies and stakeholders what to do, the Commission is asking them, how can we help you to increase production and create more jobs for the Nigerian people? What incentives and concessions can we give you without undermining the interest of the Nigerian people?”
The event, originally organised as an orientation exercise for the newly inaugurated board members of the NUPRC, expanded into an industry-wide consultative forum—effectively “killing two birds with one stone” by allowing leadership to feel the direct pulse of the sector.
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The high-level gathering brought together key government officials, lawmakers, and top executives from major energy, financial, legal, and consulting institutions.
The Commission Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, led the charge alongside all six executive commissioners and the NUPRC board chairman, Senator Magnus Abe. They were joined by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; his Gas counterpart, Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo; the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), Senator Eteng Williams; and the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen.
Industry heavyweights, including top executives from NNPC, TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, Seplat, and Aradel Holdings, engaged in “no holds barred” discussions. Financial institutions, law firms like Olaniwun Ajayi LP, and consultancies such as PwC Nigeria and Wood Mackenzie also provided critical insights on how to unlock capital and streamline operations.
Beyond the conference rooms, the Commission’s leadership conducted on-the-ground stakeholder visits to the expansive Dangote Refinery and the Lagos Freezone, signaling a commitment to understanding operational realities firsthand.
After several panel sessions and roundtable discussions, the resolve was unanimous: to work more closely together. The outcome is expected to translate into improved regulatory efficiency, a significant uptick in production, and ultimately, more jobs and revenue for the Nigerian people.
“We are killing two birds with one stone,” Akinkuotu added. “We are building the capacity of our new board while feeling the pulse of the industry. The message is clear: the NUPRC is no longer just a watchdog; we are a partner in progress.”
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X