Lagos, Nigeria – In a landmark move to reposition Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector for global competitiveness, the Federal Government has gazetted 21 new regulations under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, aimed at attracting investment, improving operational efficiency, and promoting environmental sustainability.

This was disclosed by the Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, during his goodwill message at the 48th Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition held in Lagos.

Komolafe stated that the new regulatory frameworks provide clarity and accountability for oil and gas operators, thereby fostering a more predictable and business-friendly environment.

“Since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, the Commission has so far gazetted 21 key regulations, with others at various phases of development,” he said. “These regulations provide the clarity required to support investment, streamline administration, and align upstream operations with national and global priorities.”

Key Regulatory Focus Areas

The gazetted regulations cover critical areas including production monitoring, environmental standards, community engagement, and infrastructure safety. Notable among them are:

• Upstream Petroleum Measurement Regulations, which enhance transparency through digital production tracking systems.
• Gas Flaring, Venting and Methane Emissions Regulations, targeting emission reduction and enforcement of decarbonisation standards.
• Host Community Development Regulations, designed to strengthen government-community relations in oil-producing areas.
• Domestic Gas Delivery Obligation Regulations, Upstream Petroleum Safety Regulations, and Decommissioning and Abandonment Regulations.

Komolafe said the Commission is not only focused on regulatory compliance but is transforming into an innovation-driven body committed to unlocking long-term value in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

“These instruments demonstrate our commitment to creating a regulatory environment that fosters innovation, secures long-term value, and ensures responsible stewardship of Nigeria’s upstream resources,” he said.

Path to Energy Sustainability

The NUPRC boss also revealed that the Commission is implementing a seven-pillar Decarbonisation and Sustainability Blueprint, and recently achieved a daily crude oil production peak of 1.8 million barrels—a milestone for the industry.

He urged stakeholders to engage actively with the new regulatory instruments and align their operations with the Commission’s vision for an efficient, transparent, and sustainable upstream sector.

Industry Reaction and Next Steps

Welcoming participants to the event, Amina Danmaladi, Chairperson of the SPE Nigeria Council, described the conference as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration within the energy industry.

She announced that the next edition of the annual conference will hold from August 3, 2026, with the theme:
“Thriving in the Evolving Global Energy Landscape: Collaborating Growth and Resilience.”

The 2025 conference brought together local and international stakeholders in oil and gas, policy, and technology, all exploring strategies for ensuring Nigeria’s energy security and economic prosperity amid global energy transition trends.