21 regulations gazetted to drive upstream oil investments — NUPRC

In a strategic move to revitalise Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, the Federal Government has officially gazetted 21 new regulations tailored for the upstream petroleum sector. This landmark action aims to unlock investment, streamline operations, and align the industry with both national development goals and global best practices.

The announcement was made by Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), during his goodwill address at the 48th edition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition, held in Lagos.

Komolafe highlighted that the new regulatory instruments were developed in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021, and are structured to provide regulatory clarity, attract capital, and promote accountability across exploration and production operations.

“Since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, the commission has so far gazetted 21 key regulations, with others at various phases of development. These regulations provide the clarity required to support investment, streamline administration, and align upstream operations with national and global priorities,” Komolafe stated.

Key Highlights of the New Regulations

Among the newly gazetted regulations are:

• Upstream Petroleum Measurement Regulations – designed to ensure transparency and accuracy in production tracking through the deployment of advanced technology.

• Gas Flaring, Venting and Methane Emissions Regulations – aimed at significantly reducing emissions and enforcing the nation’s decarbonisation goals.

• Host Community Development Regulations – focused on fostering community development and sustainability.

• Domestic Gas Delivery Obligation Regulations – ensuring the prioritisation of domestic gas supply.

• Upstream Petroleum Safety Regulations – enhancing safety standards and protocols in upstream operations.

• Decommissioning and Abandonment Regulations – providing clear guidance on end-of-life field management and environmental restoration.

Komolafe emphasised that the NUPRC is not merely a compliance-driven body but a forward-thinking regulator committed to innovation, value creation, and sustainability.

“These instruments demonstrate our commitment to creating a regulatory environment that fosters innovation, secures long-term value, and ensures the responsible stewardship of Nigeria’s upstream resources,” he said.

Broader Initiatives and Achievements

In alignment with these regulatory efforts, Komolafe also revealed that the commission is actively implementing a seven-pillar Decarbonisation and Sustainability Blueprint to position Nigeria as a responsible energy producer in the global arena. Notably, Nigeria recently achieved a peak production of 1.8 million barrels per day, reflecting ongoing operational improvements.

He urged all operators and industry stakeholders to engage with the new regulations, align their operations accordingly, and contribute to building an efficient, transparent, and globally competitive petroleum sector.

SPE Conference Outlook

Also speaking at the conference, Amina Danmaladi, Chairperson of the SPE Nigeria Council, welcomed delegates and encouraged them to take full advantage of the knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities presented by the event.

She announced that the SPE Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition 2026 will commence on August 3, 2026, under the theme:
“Thriving in the Evolving Global Energy Landscape: Collaborating Growth and Resilience.”