Stakeholders Applaud NUPRC, Komolafe for Upholding Regulatory Standards
Civil society organisations and community stakeholders have lauded Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), for driving regulatory compliance and promoting transparency in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The commendation was made at a one-day sensitization forum on Wednesday in Rivers State. The event focused on the role of the media, civil society, and grassroots actors in implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). It was organised by Kaima Pearl Limited in collaboration with local civil society groups.
The town hall-style forum drew participation from traditional rulers, religious leaders, journalists, community-based groups, and regulatory officials.
In his opening remarks, Mallam Nasir Abdulquadri, Project Manager for Kaima Pearl Limited, described the NUPRC under Komolafe’s leadership as a model for institutional reform and regulatory integrity in a sector historically plagued by opacity.
According to him, the sensitization effort aimed to bridge the gap between policy and the people, ensuring that oil-producing communities understand the provisions of the PIA and can effectively engage with its implementation.
“For the first time in a long time, communities feel seen. We feel heard. The Commission is not only regulating the sector; it is also listening to the people,” Abdulquadri said.
He praised Komolafe’s emphasis on inclusivity and consistent compliance monitoring, highlighting NUPRC’s push to decentralise stakeholder engagement and operationalize Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) in line with the Act.
Forum participants echoed similar views, citing the Commission’s monitoring exercises, capacity-building sessions, and enforcement actions as evidence of a proactive and reform-minded regulator.
Chief Felix Ekpetiama, a traditional ruler from Rivers State, noted that Komolafe’s leadership has begun to restore public trust in regulatory institutions.
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“For years, we dealt with neglect and exploitation. But now, with stronger oversight from the NUPRC, oil companies are becoming more responsive to their obligations under the law,” he said. “They now consult more, report more, and comply better. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s a clear improvement.”
Comrade Timi Tari George, an Ijaw rights advocate, agreed. He said the era of impunity by oil companies was gradually giving way to a culture of caution and engagement.
“In the past, oil firms treated the law as optional and our communities as expendable. But today, with the PIA gaining traction and NUPRC stepping up enforcement, companies are falling in line,” he said. “This shift is no accident—it’s the result of regulatory pressure under Komolafe.”
Also speaking, Reverend Grace Igbokwe, a faith-based advocate from Eleme, commended the Commission’s commitment to accountability and gender inclusion.
“Implementation has always been Nigeria’s weakness. But with Komolafe at the helm, we’re seeing that it can be done right—with fairness and community input,” she said.
Breakout sessions at the event focused on enhancing civil society oversight of HCDTs and leveraging investigative journalism to expose non-compliance in the sector.
A communiqué issued at the end of the forum announced plans to set up a multi-stakeholder compliance watch group to monitor HCDT performance and collaborate with NUPRC field offices to address grievances.
Participants also urged the federal government to provide the Commission with adequate resources to strengthen its monitoring role and called on oil companies to respect regulatory processes.
“Engr. Komolafe and his team have demonstrated courage and competence. We stand ready to support NUPRC’s mandate to protect both national interests and community rights,” the communiqué stated.
While the implementation of the PIA remains complex, especially in oil-producing areas, stakeholders agreed that Komolafe’s leadership is gradually turning the tide.
“NUPRC has proven that effective regulation is possible. What’s needed now is continuity, collaboration, and the political will to see reforms through,” Abdulquadri concluded.
The forum ended with a renewed commitment by participating groups to amplify public awareness of the PIA and hold all stakeholders accountable to the law.
By PRNigeria
