The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyewa Eyesan, has charged indigenous oil producers to uphold global industry standards, warning that lapses in human capacity and governance could undermine Nigeria’s competitiveness.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) led by its Chairman, Adegbite Falade, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Eyesan stressed the need for strict compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and best practices in corporate governance.
She noted that with the divestment of international oil companies, indigenous operators now play a more dominant role and must match global standards, particularly in human capital development.
“One area we must prioritise is human capital development. In a global market, financiers are rating Nigeria as a whole, not individual companies. If we fall short, it affects the entire industry,” she said.
Eyesan urged the IPPG to enforce discipline among its members, insisting that local operators must hold themselves to the same high standards as their international counterparts.
She also reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to creating an enabling business environment, in line with the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while disclosing that the NUPRC has transitioned to a fully paperless system as part of its digital transformation drive.
Responding, Falade commended the NUPRC leadership for what he described as a renewed sense of direction in the industry, pledging the group’s continued support and collaboration.
He urged the Commission to sustain engagement with indigenous producers, assuring that the IPPG remains committed to advancing Nigeria’s interests in the upstream petroleum sector.
