Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The new Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, has set an ambitious agenda to reposition the upstream oil and gas sector as an investment-driven, production-focused pillar of Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking at her first meeting with management and staff, Eyesan declared that the Commission under her leadership would function as a business enabler in strict alignment with the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA 2021, while pushing for higher crude oil and gas output.
“The goal is that we must enable the industry. We are regulators, but we must enable the industry from our interactions with stakeholders and everybody,” she said.
Eyesan stressed that revitalising investor confidence and unlocking new capital flows into the upstream sector would be central to her tenure, noting that regulation must support growth, efficiency, and competitiveness.
“My main objective is to ensure that we make a difference. I believe the NUPRC is at the center of the industry,” she stated.
With over three decades of experience in the oil and gas sector, the NUPRC boss also announced plans to deepen digitization, transparency, and operational efficiency, describing these as critical to achieving regulatory credibility and faster decision-making.
She expressed confidence that, with internal support, the Commission could become a continental benchmark.
“With the support of staff and management, the NUPRC will become the gold-standard regulator in Africa,” Eyesan said.
Beyond investment and production growth, she pledged sustained capacity development, stronger technical depth, and continuous engagement with stakeholders, unions, and professional groups to support the next phase of upstream sector transformation.
On leadership approach, Eyesan promised inclusiveness and accessibility, assuring staff of an open-door policy and regular engagement as reforms unfold.
“If we work together, we can unleash opportunities. I don’t see impediments, only opportunities,” she added.
