By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector, pledging to deliver a credible and untainted 2025 Licensing Round.
The assurance was given by the Commission Chief Executive, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, during an event held at the Commission’s headquarters to commemorate the International Anti-Corruption Day.
Speaking at the event, Komolafe restated the Commission’s zero-tolerance stance against corruption, stressing that deliberate institutional reforms and the deployment of technology have significantly reduced opportunities for human interference in regulatory processes. He noted that these measures were key to the success of the 2024 Licensing Round, which earned commendation from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) for its openness and integrity.
According to the NUPRC helmsman, the Commission remains committed to deepening transparency across its operations, particularly in licensing processes, as part of broader efforts to strengthen investor confidence and entrench global best practices in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.
In her remarks, the guest speaker at the event, retired Justice of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Oludotun Adebola Adefope-Okojie (JCA, rtd.), acknowledged the transparency demonstrated by the NUPRC during the 2024 Licensing Round, describing it as a positive benchmark for regulatory governance in the extractive industry.
She, however, urged the Commission to take deliberate steps to encourage the participation of young Nigerians in the forthcoming 2025 Licensing Round. Justice Adefope-Okojie observed that Nigerian youths have consistently demonstrated capacity, innovation and integrity, particularly in the fintech space, and argued that their inclusion would further strengthen transparency, competition and sustainability in the sector.
The event provided a platform for renewed commitment by the NUPRC to uphold ethical standards, leverage technology and promote inclusive participation as it prepares for the 2025 Licensing Round.
