Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, has intensified high-level consultations with sector regulators as the Federal Government pushes for coordinated implementation of oil and gas reforms in 2026.
Verheijen received the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, for what she described as a strategic engagement focused on consolidating upstream reforms.
“Our discussions focused on consolidating ongoing upstream oil and gas reforms and planning for 2026, with attention to disciplined implementation, stronger institutional alignment, and sustained collaboration,” Verheijen tweeted on X.
She stressed that reform efforts must translate into “tangible growth, stability, and long-term value for Nigeria’s energy sector.”
Similarly, the presidential aide also separately hosted the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed.
According to Verheijen, discussions centered on ongoing oil and gas reforms and strategic priorities for 2026, with emphasis on coordinated execution across regulatory institutions.
“We discussed ongoing reforms in the oil and gas sector and strategic priorities for 2026, emphasizing coordinated implementation, enhanced institutional alignment, and continued collaboration,” she stated.
The back-to-back meetings signal a renewed push by the Presidency to harmonize upstream, midstream and downstream regulatory efforts under the broader energy reform agenda.
Verheijen reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring that reform initiatives across the petroleum value chain are executed with consistency and accountability, positioning the sector for sustainable growth in 2026 and beyond.
