The West African Centre for Public Relations (WACEPR) has congratulated the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, on his recognition as the LEADERSHIP Newspaper’s CEO of the Year. The organisation described the award as a well-deserved acknowledgment of Komolafe’s exemplary leadership, regulatory reforms, and transformative contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
In a statement issued on Monday, WACEPR’s Executive Director, Dr. Paul Anyanwu, lauded Komolafe for his visionary approach to governance and his commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the upstream petroleum industry. He noted that under Komolafe’s stewardship, the NUPRC has become a model of regulatory excellence and innovation across Africa’s energy landscape.
According to WACEPR, Komolafe’s recognition by LEADERSHIP Newspaper as CEO of the Year is “a testament to his strategic foresight, reform-driven leadership, and outstanding service to national development.” The statement further highlighted his instrumental role in implementing key provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which has reshaped Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory framework.
“Engr. Komolafe’s leadership has repositioned the NUPRC as a world-class regulator focused on operational efficiency, investment promotion, and sustainable resource management. His efforts have boosted confidence among investors and ensured that Nigeria remains a key player in the global energy space,” WACEPR’s statement read.
The organisation praised Komolafe’s emphasis on digital transformation within the Commission, particularly his deployment of technology-driven monitoring systems to improve data transparency, streamline licensing procedures, and enhance oil production accountability.
“Through his reforms, the NUPRC has demonstrated that Nigeria can run a regulatory system anchored on integrity, innovation, and inclusiveness. Komolafe’s leadership has brought renewed optimism to the upstream sector, ensuring that both indigenous and international operators adhere to global best practices,” WACEPR added.
LEADERSHIP Newspaper, one of Nigeria’s foremost media institutions, conferred the award on Komolafe during its annual conference and awards ceremony, which celebrates outstanding individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to the country’s socio-economic development.
The organisers noted that Komolafe was chosen for his “bold, reform-oriented leadership that has redefined the regulatory environment of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.” They cited his efforts in promoting transparency, expanding indigenous participation, and improving crude oil production efficiency despite the sector’s persistent challenges.
Since assuming office in 2021, Komolafe has spearheaded several groundbreaking initiatives that have repositioned the upstream oil and gas industry for growth. These include the automation of regulatory processes, enhanced fiscal frameworks to attract investment, and the adoption of environmental sustainability principles to reduce carbon emissions in oil operations.
Under his leadership, Nigeria has also witnessed an upward trend in crude oil output, with improved compliance among operators and stronger collaboration with international oil companies (IOCs). The Commission has further intensified efforts to tackle crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism — issues that have long hampered the country’s revenue generation.
WACEPR noted that Komolafe’s inclusive leadership style has earned him respect both within and outside government circles. “His open-door policy and commitment to stakeholder engagement have fostered cooperation among operators, host communities, and government agencies,” the organisation stated.
The Centre also praised Komolafe’s advocacy for the use of natural gas as a transition fuel, describing it as a forward-looking strategy that aligns with Nigeria’s net-zero carbon ambitions and global energy transition goals. According to WACEPR, his efforts to expand gas exploration and infrastructure have contributed significantly to energy diversification and economic growth.
Dr. Anyanwu added that the NUPRC boss’s achievement serves as an inspiration to public sector leaders across the continent. “Komolafe’s recognition by LEADERSHIP Newspaper underscores the importance of visionary leadership in driving institutional transformation. His work demonstrates how effective regulation can stimulate development and attract sustainable investments,” he said.
Industry experts and stakeholders have also reacted positively to the award, applauding Komolafe’s leadership as a catalyst for reform. The Managing Director of Seplat Energy, Roger Brown, described the NUPRC under Komolafe as “a model for progressive regulation in Africa’s energy market.” He noted that the Commission’s digitalisation agenda and compliance mechanisms have improved investor confidence and operational stability.
Similarly, the President of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), Wale Akinboboye, said Komolafe’s tenure has witnessed “unprecedented engagement with indigenous producers and a stronger policy drive for local content participation.”
In his response to the award, Engr. Komolafe dedicated the recognition to the entire staff of the NUPRC and the Nigerian people, stating that the honour reflects their collective commitment to the success of Nigeria’s petroleum sector. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, for their support and trust in the Commission’s regulatory mandate.
“This recognition reinforces our determination to deepen reforms, enhance transparency, and ensure that Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources are managed responsibly for the benefit of all citizens,” Komolafe said.
He reiterated the NUPRC’s focus on increasing oil production, strengthening fiscal stability, and supporting the energy transition through policies that promote gas utilisation and cleaner technologies.
WACEPR concluded its statement by urging public institutions across Africa to emulate Komolafe’s leadership ethos. “At a time when Africa needs transformative leaders to drive sustainable growth, Engr. Komolafe stands out as a beacon of excellence and integrity,” the organisation stated.
The LEADERSHIP CEO of the Year Award, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most prestigious honours in corporate and public administration, adds to Komolafe’s growing list of accolades — underscoring his status as one of the nation’s most accomplished and respected energy regulators.
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