WACEPR Congratulates Komolafe on SERVICOM Leadership Award …Commends NUPRC as a Model of Regulatory Excellence

By our Reporter

The West Africa Centre for Energy Policy and Reforms (WACEPR), a regional oil policy think tank, has congratulated Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, the Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), on his recognition with the SERVICOM Outstanding Leadership Award.

In a statement issued on Friday in Accra and signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Kwabena Mensah-Ashitey, the Centre described Komolafe’s recognition as a “well-deserved honour for a reform-driven technocrat whose leadership has restored transparency, efficiency, and professionalism to Nigeria’s upstream regulatory environment.”

WACEPR commended Komolafe’s performance since his appointment as the pioneer head of NUPRC following the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), noting that he has shown steadfast commitment to building a performance-based regulator that balances investor confidence with national interest.

“Under Engr. Komolafe, NUPRC has emerged as a model of institutional independence and technical excellence within West Africa’s oil governance space,” the statement said.

It added that “from implementing the fiscal provisions of the PIA to strengthening host community engagement and enhancing data transparency in hydrocarbon production, his leadership has repositioned Nigeria’s upstream sector for global competitiveness.”

Dr. Mensah-Ashitey also highlighted the Commission’s achievements in the fair implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), which, he noted, has empowered oil-producing communities to play active roles in project planning, benefit allocation, and environmental protection.

He further applauded NUPRC’s progress in production optimization, hydrocarbon measurement, and decarbonisation—initiatives that align with global clean energy transitions while sustaining Nigeria’s revenue base.

“The upstream reforms championed by Komolafe have introduced a new standard of accountability. Nigeria now publishes clearer data on production, investments, and environmental performance. These steps not only attract investors but also reassure citizens that the nation’s petroleum resources are being managed responsibly,” the statement continued.

The Ghana-based Centre also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for maintaining a policy of non-interference in NUPRC’s operations, which it said has enabled the regulator to function professionally and uphold the intent of the PIA.

“President Tinubu deserves recognition for granting the Commission the autonomy it needs to perform effectively. The independence of NUPRC under his leadership stands out as a positive example in a region where regulatory capture often hampers energy sector reforms,” Mensah-Ashitey added.

The Centre equally praised Komolafe’s collaboration with international development partners such as the World Bank and the Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership, aimed at accelerating decarbonisation efforts and strengthening emission management standards in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

“As Africa’s leading oil producer, Nigeria’s example under Komolafe’s leadership provides valuable insights for other resource-dependent economies. His emphasis on service delivery, staff welfare, and institutional ethics exemplifies leadership that transcends bureaucracy and focuses on long-term value creation,” WACEPR noted.

The think tank urged other regulators across the region to emulate NUPRC’s performance-driven approach, describing Komolafe’s SERVICOM award as “proof of what can be achieved when competence and integrity define public service.”