The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF) has adopted Nigeria as its official headquarters.
According to a statement on Wednesday, the forum also elected Gbenga Komolafe, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the NUPRC, as chairman of the forum.
“Prior to the endorsement, Engineer Komolafe was interim chairman of AFRIPERF,” the statement reads.
“The decision was announced at the inaugural executive committee meeting of the Forum which took place virtually on December 2, 2025.”
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The commission said Eyoanwan Ndiyo-Aiyetan, its senior manager, international relations, was also appointed as secretary of AFRIPERF.
“The development affirms Nigeria’s central role in the African petroleum regulatory space and as Africa’s largest producer of crude oil,” the NUPRC said.
“The meeting, which was attended by 16 African countries, was convened to pick its leadership, headquarters and logo.”
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The NUPRC added that AFRIPERF aims to “strengthen regional petroleum governance by fostering collaboration, cooperation and coordination among member regulators”.
In his acceptance speech, Komolafe thanked his African counterparts for the trust and honour, saying “no member country is left behind”.
On September 18, the NUPRC had said Nigeria spearheaded the signing of a charter establishing the regulators’ forum.
According to the commission, the AFRIPERF aims to harmonise oil regulation to attract crucial investment across the continent’s energy sector.
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