NUPRC Chief Komolafe to Join Continental Experts at Pan-African Parliament Session

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, has been listed among top African experts and policymakers scheduled to speak at the forthcoming Pan-African Parliament Session in Midrand, South Africa. The session, which will focus on strengthening Africa’s energy governance and promoting sustainable resource management, is expected to bring together legislators, regulators, and energy industry leaders from across the continent.

Komolafe’s invitation was confirmed by the Committee on Energy, Infrastructure, and Mineral Resources of the Pan-African Parliament. His selection is seen as recognition of Nigeria’s leadership role in energy reform and the Commission’s recent achievements under his administration, particularly in implementing the Petroleum Industry Act and restructuring the upstream oil and gas sector.

According to a statement issued by the NUPRC, Komolafe will deliver a paper titled “Sustainable Upstream Regulation and Energy Transition in Africa.” He is expected to share Nigeria’s experiences in balancing hydrocarbon development with environmental responsibility and community inclusion. He will also discuss strategies for managing Africa’s energy transition amid global pressure to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring local economic growth.

In his reaction to the invitation, Komolafe said it was an honour to represent Nigeria at a continental forum that shapes Africa’s energy future. He stated that the session would be an opportunity to showcase the reforms being implemented by Nigeria and how they align with Africa’s broader goals for energy security and industrial growth. He emphasized that Africa’s transition to cleaner energy must be inclusive and fair, ensuring that resource-rich countries harness their natural assets responsibly while creating jobs and supporting innovation.

Under Komolafe’s leadership, the NUPRC has introduced several reforms aimed at improving transparency, attracting investments, and boosting production efficiency. The Commission has streamlined licensing processes, digitalized operations, enhanced data access, and strengthened community development agreements in line with the Petroleum Industry Act. These measures have earned Nigeria commendation from regional and global energy bodies for improving regulatory clarity and investor confidence.

Energy analysts have described Komolafe’s participation in the Pan-African Parliament session as a major endorsement of Nigeria’s upstream reforms, noting that other African nations are now studying the Nigerian model in developing their own regulatory frameworks. His paper is expected to highlight the continent’s shared challenges, including infrastructure deficits, limited access to financing, and the need for greater regional collaboration in refining and gas development.

The Pan-African Parliament’s upcoming session will also address key topics such as energy diversification, renewable energy investments, and cross-border infrastructure partnerships. Experts from South Africa, Ghana, Angola, Egypt, and Kenya are among the participants who will share insights on national strategies for sustainable resource management and cleaner energy development.

Komolafe’s rising influence within the African energy community has been widely acknowledged. Since assuming office, he has championed reforms aimed at reducing gas flaring, encouraging gas monetization, and promoting domestic energy utilization through public-private partnerships. He has consistently emphasized the need for a just and balanced energy transition, one that allows Africa to pursue industrialization without compromising environmental sustainability.

He has also advocated for stronger cooperation among African countries to share technology, expertise, and investment frameworks that will help the continent unlock the full potential of its oil and gas resources. Komolafe believes that Africa’s vast natural resources must serve as catalysts for industrial growth, youth empowerment, and poverty reduction.

As part of his presentation, he is expected to highlight Nigeria’s progress in expanding local content participation, supporting indigenous oil firms, and optimizing existing assets to increase output. He will also emphasize the Commission’s achievements in improving fiscal stability and boosting government revenue through efficient monitoring and compliance systems.

The NUPRC boss will use the platform to call for a coordinated African strategy toward energy transition, stressing that the global move toward renewable energy must not marginalize developing economies that depend on hydrocarbons for growth. He is expected to advocate for a gradual, realistic transition model that recognizes Africa’s economic realities and prioritizes access to affordable energy for all.

Komolafe’s recognition by the Pan-African Parliament has been lauded by stakeholders in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, who describe it as a reflection of his impact on regulatory reform and his contribution to Nigeria’s visibility in international energy discussions. Many observers say his participation will further strengthen Nigeria’s voice in shaping continental policies on sustainable energy development and regional cooperation.

Preparations for the Midrand session are already underway, with delegates from across the continent expected to arrive in South Africa in November. The meeting will serve as a platform for knowledge sharing and networking among regulators, lawmakers, and private sector players committed to advancing Africa’s energy agenda.

Nigeria’s inclusion through Komolafe’s participation reaffirms its leadership in driving Africa’s upstream energy transformation. The NUPRC has pledged to continue promoting investment-friendly policies, strengthening environmental protection standards, and ensuring host communities benefit equitably from natural resource development.

Komolafe said the Commission remains committed to sustaining Nigeria’s position as a regional leader in the upstream sector while contributing to Africa’s shared goal of achieving energy independence and economic diversification. He stressed that the Pan-African Parliament engagement would help align regulatory best practices across the continent and strengthen partnerships necessary for growth in the energy sector.

The Pan-African Parliament session, themed “Harnessing Africa’s Energy for Inclusive Growth,” is expected to mark a turning point in how the continent approaches energy collaboration, with Nigeria playing a central role in defining the policies that will shape Africa’s sustainable future.