The Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, has emphasized the importance of establishing a pathway toward a cleaner, more resilient, and prosperous energy future for Nigeria.
He, therefore, appealed to stakeholders in the Nigerian oil and gas industry to work together in navigating the energy transition.
Engr. Komolafe delivered a keynote speech at the Decarbonisation and Energy Sustainability Forum (DESF) in Abuja, where he addressed industry leaders and highlighted that the choices they make today will shape Nigeria’s economic future.
He stated, “Today, we choose to progress, we choose responsibility, and above all, we choose a future where Nigeria leads in sustainable energy transformation.”
The event, according to a statement by the Commission, also featured the launch of a comprehensive blueprint for decarbonisation and new guidelines for participation in upstream oil and gas decarbonisation and carbon management.
In his presentation on “Navigating the Global Energy Transition by Leveraging Decarbonisation in Nigeria’s Upstream Oil and Gas for Sustainable Value Creation,”
Engr. Komolafe underscored that the forum was more than just a meeting; it was a declaration of intent and a call to action for sustainable value creation.
He explained that the post-Paris Agreement era has intensified global efforts to combat climate change, prompting many countries to adopt ambitious carbon neutrality targets. This shift has accelerated the transition to a low-carbon energy system but has also resulted in decreased investments in oil and gas as financial institutions align themselves with climate goals. However, he stressed the importance of a “just transition,” one that takes into account the economic realities of different regions.
Engr. Komolafe highlighted key developments, including commitments made at COP28 and COP29, where leaders pledged to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030. He emphasized the need for equitable climate action that focuses on social equity, inclusivity, and sustainability.
He also pointed out energy security concerns, noting that the U.S. has declared a national energy emergency for 2025, highlighting the critical connection between energy security, economic stability, and resilience. This underscores the importance of reliable and diverse energy supplies, with the U.S. noting that oil and gas will continue to play a significant role in ensuring affordability and reliability during the transition.
He mentioned that these perspectives align with Nigeria’s strategy of utilizing natural gas as a transitional fuel, enabling African nations to balance their climate goals with economic growth and energy security.
“The stance of global leaders has opened doors for Nigeria and Africa to chart their own transition pathways that reconcile climate action with economic growth and energy security,” he added.
The CCE explained that Nigeria’s journey toward decarbonisation is supported by transformative initiatives aimed at reshaping the country’s energy landscape. The National Gas Policy (NGP) of 2017, the National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) launched in 2021, and the Decade of Gas Initiative (2021-2030) collectively outline an ambitious approach to harness Nigeria’s extensive gas reserves, positioning natural gas as a key transition fuel. The establishment of the Nigerian Gas Transportation Network Code (NGTNC) and the Gas Master Plan has created a structured framework for developing a competitive, transparent, and investor-friendly gas market. Despite existing infrastructure gaps and investment constraints, these forward-thinking policies and programmes have laid the foundation for Nigeria’s transition to natural gas and sustainable development.
According to him, the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative (Pi-CNG), Executive Order 40, and the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) signal a transformative phase in Nigeria’s gas sector. These reforms aim to remove barriers, drive industrialisation, and establish Nigeria as a global energy leader.
He emphasized that the NUPRC plays a central role in these efforts, embedding sustainability and decarbonisation into its operations. The commission has established a dedicated Energy Sustainability and Carbon Management department to promote emissions reduction and environmental responsibility. Guided by seven strategic pillars—such as zero routine flaring, methane abatement, and technological innovation—the NUPRC seeks to attract investment, enhance energy security, and encourage responsible energy use. Collectively, these initiatives aim to leverage Nigeria’s vast gas reserves, accelerate exploration, expand domestic energy access, and align with global energy transition goals.
Engr. Komolafe concluded, “We recognize that the journey ahead demands vision, collaboration, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Our success will not… ” Our success will not be defined by intentions alone but by the real, measurable progress we make in cutting emissions, turning waste into wealth, driving operational efficiency and unlocking the full potential of carbon markets. We have therefore, early in the year, issued the Upstream Petroleum Decarbonisation Template (UPDT) as a regulatory tool to strengthen Nigeria’s decarbonisation and sustainability agenda.”
The event featured a strategic presentation on Regulatory Framework for Energy Transition and Carbon Management in Nigerians Upstream: Implementation Architecture and Roadmap; international panel session on international best practices in Upstream Decarbonisation and Energy Sustainability; Industry CEO’s Roundtable; the unveiling of the Upstream Oil and Gas Decarbonisation and Sustainability Blueprint, and two plenary sessions on Technology, Carbon Markets and Financing.
