The Federal Government has inaugurated the Board of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), appointing Magnus Abe as Chairman, as members formally assumed office on April 28, 2026, pledging to strengthen the Commission’s capacity to deliver on its statutory mandate.
Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, formally inaugurated the Board in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, on Tuesday at his office in Abuja.
The SGF in his comment stated that the inauguration reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and strong governance in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.
He noted that the milestone advances the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act by strengthening regulatory independence, accountability, and investor confidence in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, while positioning the NUPRC to deepen oversight, uphold global best practices, and drive value across the sector with a clear mandate to ensure transparency, protect national interests, and optimize the country’s energy resources.
Speaking at the Commission’s headquarters shortly after the inauguration, Senator Abe, assured management of a collaborative approach to strengthening the Commission and advancing national interests.
He stated that the Board’s primary role is to provide effective leadership and oversight, while also prioritising improved office accommodation to enhance staff productivity.
Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, the Commission Chief Executive, in her remark, congratulated the new Board and emphasised its critical role in providing strategic direction in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.
She described the inauguration as timely amid rising global oil and gas prices driven by tensions in the Middle East, and noting that Nigeria must position itself to respond effectively to both energy transition pressures and geopolitical disruptions.
Eyesan reaffirmed the NUPRC management’s commitment to ongoing industry reforms, expressing confidence in the Commission’s readiness to navigate potential shocks.
The inaugurated Board comprises Magnus Abe (Chairman); Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan (Commission Chief Executive); Engineer Sunday Babalola and Engineer Paul Jezhi (Non-Executive Commissioners); Bashari Indabawa and Muhammed Sabo Lamido (Executive Commissioners); Mrs. Patience Oyekunle (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources); Engineer Mustapha Lamorde (Executive Director, HSEC, NMDPRA); and Mr. Dalhat Muhammad Kamal (Director, Ministry of Finance), with Ms. Olayemi Adeboyejo serving as Commission Secretary/Legal Adviser.
