Follow Us on Google
•Says Commission now paperless
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyewa Eyesan, has called on independent oil producers to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021, while prioritising human capital development and stronger corporate governance across the sector.
According to statement issued by Eniola Akinkuotu, Spokesperson of NUPRC, Eyesan made the call during a courtesy visit by the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), led by its Chairman, Mr. Adegbite Falade, to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
Eyesan described the IPPG as a critical player in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum landscape, especially in the wake of divestments by international oil companies, noting that the Commission places high value on its partnership with indigenous operators.
She stressed that as the industry expands, attention must be paid to workforce quality and professional standards to ensure sustainability and global competitiveness.
The NUPRC boss urged the IPPG to hold its members to high operational and ethical standards, similar to practices adopted by international oil companies, noting that self-regulation within the group would strengthen the industry as a whole.
She said: “One area I think we need to spotlight is human capital development.
As the industry grows, there is a tendency of default and if we allow that to fester, it will hurt all of us.
“Because we are in a global market, the financiers are rating Nigeria; they are not rating companies, and if we do not bring our human capacity to par, then we will be creating a big problem for ourselves.
“As a pressure group, you should hold yourselves to a standard. I think that is one of the things the IOCs have done very well.”
Eyesan also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to its role as a business enabler, adding that it remains responsive to industry needs in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She further disclosed that the Commission has fully transitioned to a paperless system as part of its ongoing digital transformation drive, noting that the shift took effect on Friday, April 18, 2026.
Responding, the IPPG Chairman, commended Eyesan’s leadership, describing it as dynamic and reform-driven, adding that noticeable improvements have been recorded in the sector since her assumption of office in December 2025.
Falade also urged the Commission to maintain regular engagement with industry stakeholders, assuring that IPPG members remain committed to national development and regulatory collaboration.
