Nigeria’s Top Oil Regulators Deepen Partnership to Resolve Regulatory Overlaps
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have taken significant steps toward enhancing regulatory efficiency and closing noticeable overlaps in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. This renewed collaboration was formalized during a meeting held at the commission’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.
During the meeting, both organizations agreed to work more closely, nominating representatives from each to address and resolve regulatory issues. These efforts are aimed at promoting the overall interests of the industry, ensuring a seamless regulatory process across the sector, and encouraging investments in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
To strengthen their partnership, NUPRC and NMDPRA resolved to hold quarterly meetings and regular interactions designed to enhance their working relationship and promptly address any challenges that may arise while regulating.
Speaking at the meeting, the Commission Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, underscored the importance of synergy between the two organizations, highlighting that cooperation was essential for the industry’s growth. She emphasized that the oil and gas sector was vital to the nation’s economy and that both agencies serve as enablers for its continued development.
“Whether we are talking about the upstream, midstream or the downstream, we are enablers for the industry and without a doubt, we know that the industry is the heartbeat of the nation’s economy. So, we are committed to ensuring that things work properly and the industry grows astronomically,” she said. “We cannot do that if we do not work together because as we all know, sometimes there is no fine line between upstream, midstream and downstream. And if we are not working together, then that becomes a problem. So, I believe that this will be the beginning of many more interactions.”
In his remarks, NMDPRA Authority Chief Executive Mr. Saidu Mohammed emphasized the shared history of both agencies, referring to them as offshoots of the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR). He stressed the need for harmonious cooperation, saying, “We must improve this relationship between brother and sister agencies,” and pointed out that any differences should be resolved internally and amicably.
Eyesan also sought support from NMDPRA in the ongoing licensing round and invited Mohammed to the pre-bid event scheduled to take place at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos on January 14, 2026. The licensing round offers 50 oil and gas blocks and is expected to attract substantial investments and contribute to an increase in the nation’s reserves.
The partnership marks a renewed commitment by NUPRC and NMDPRA to fostering regulatory efficiency and driving investments in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, promising long-term benefits for the nation’s economy.
Source: allafrica.com via thisdaylive.com
