Komolafe Bags Global Sustainable Leadership Award in London
Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, has received the Global Sustainable Leadership Award at the 2025 Global Sustainable Education and Leadership (G-SEL) Conference held at the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, United Kingdom.
The two-day global event brought together senior policymakers, diplomats, and business leaders from across continents to celebrate transformative leadership and innovation in sustainability. Komolafe was recognised for his exceptional role in driving reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and repositioning Nigeria as a credible, transparent, and competitive destination for energy investment.
Since assuming office, Komolafe has led a sweeping regulatory transformation in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector. Under his stewardship, the nation’s rig count has surged from just eight in 2021 to 69 as of October 2025 — representing a remarkable 760 per cent growth. Revenue performance under his leadership has also consistently surpassed government targets, with surpluses of 18.3 per cent in 2022, 14.6 per cent in 2023, and an extraordinary 84.2 per cent in 2024.
Beyond fiscal performance, the NUPRC has made significant strides in host community development and indigenous participation. Local operators now contribute over 30 per cent of Nigeria’s total oil production, while the establishment of Host Community Development Trusts ensures that direct benefits from oil and gas operations reach local populations — aligning Nigeria’s framework with global sustainability benchmarks.
Accepting the award, Komolafe dedicated the recognition to the Nigerian people, describing it as a testament to their resilience and the government’s reform-driven vision.
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> “This award belongs to Nigeria. It recognises the courage and faith that drive our reforms in the upstream oil and gas sector. We are building a transparent, accountable, and investment-friendly system that reflects our national values and global aspirations,” he said.
He reaffirmed that the NUPRC’s strategic vision is anchored on three key priorities — transparency, competitiveness, and sustainability — aimed at maximising the value of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources while advancing the nation’s energy transition.
> “We are not only regulating production; we are shaping the future of energy in Africa. Our goal is to ensure that Nigeria remains a reliable supplier, a fair regulator, and a responsible global partner,” Komolafe added.
The G-SEL London Conference 2025, themed “The Intersection of Innovation, Sustainability and Equity for Energy Access,” served as a platform for high-level dialogue on the future of global energy, education, and inclusive growth.
Komolafe’s recognition reinforces Nigeria’s rising reputation as an African energy hub grounded in regulatory integrity, sustainable growth, and international collaboration — marking another milestone in the country’s evolving role in shaping the continent’s energy future.
Other recipients of the Global Sustainable Leadership Award included Angela Wilkinson, CEO of the World Energy Council; Jason Jackson, Mayor of Islington, London; Riad Meddeb, Director of Sustainable Energy at the UNDP; and Ben Parsons, Partner at Oakin Energy Transition Strategy, UK.
Also honoured were Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka, Zambia’s High Commissioner to the UK; Seema Malhotra, UK Member of Parliament and Minister at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; Joel Singh, Director at General Electric, UK; Hon. Dr. Toreria Moyo, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education of Zimbabwe; Mr. Alex Wachira, CBS, Principal Secretary at Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum; and H.E. Dr. Morie K. Manyeh, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the UK — rounding off a distinguished roster of global leaders recognised for championing sustainable growth and inclusive governance.
By PRNigeria
