I see opportunities, not impediments, says new NUPRC boss
New NUPRC Chief, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Assumes Office, Pledges Investment Boost and Higher Oil, Gas Output
The newly appointed Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, has formally assumed office with a strong pledge to reposition Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector, attract fresh investments and significantly boost crude oil and gas production in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
Eyesan made her vision known during her first town hall meeting with management and staff of the Commission, according to a statement signed by the Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, on Wednesday. She officially took over duties on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, following a handover ceremony from the immediate past Commission Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe.
Her appointment follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s successful request and approval by the National Assembly for the nomination of new chief executives for the NUPRC, after the sudden resignation of the former Commission Chief Executive. The move is seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen regulatory leadership in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Vision to Reignite Upstream Investments
Addressing staff at the meeting, Eyesan outlined a clear vision to transform the NUPRC into a business enabler, noting that effective regulation must support growth, investment and long-term value creation across Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry.
She disclosed plans to reignite investor confidence by ensuring that regulatory processes are efficient, transparent and aligned with global best practices, while also fostering constructive engagement with industry stakeholders.
According to her, boosting Nigeria’s crude oil output and significantly expanding gas production remains a core priority, especially in line with the Federal Government’s strategy to monetise gas as a transition fuel and strengthen national energy security.
Digitisation, Transparency and Efficiency
With over three decades of experience in the oil and gas industry, the new NUPRC boss emphasised that digitisation, transparency and operational efficiency would be central to her administration. She described these elements as critical to restoring investor confidence and improving regulatory outcomes in the upstream sector.
Eyesan assured staff that, through collective effort and professionalism, the Commission would emerge as a gold-standard regulator, not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.
She also pledged to prioritise capacity development, deepen technical competence within the Commission and sustain robust engagement with industry players, labour unions and professional bodies to ensure inclusive and effective regulation.
Open-Door Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement
Speaking on her leadership approach, the Commission Chief Executive promised an open-door policy and regular interaction with staff, stressing the importance of teamwork as the industry enters what she described as a new phase of transformation.
“The goal is that we must enable the industry, we are regulators. We must enable the industry through our interactions with stakeholders and everybody involved. My main objective is to ensure that we make a difference. I believe the NUPRC is at the center of the industry,” Eyesan said.
She added that collaboration would unlock opportunities for growth, innovation and efficiency across the sector, expressing confidence that the Commission could overcome challenges and drive meaningful reforms.
About the NUPRC and Eyesan’s Background
The NUPRC, established under the PIA 2021, is responsible for regulating Nigeria’s upstream petroleum operations. The Commission plays a pivotal role in addressing declining investment, resolving production challenges and unlocking the country’s vast oil and gas potential.
Eyesan is a graduate of Economics from the University of Benin and brings nearly 33 years of experience from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its subsidiaries. She retired as Executive Vice President, Upstream (2023–2024) and previously served as Group General Manager, Corporate Planning and Strategy from 2019 to 2023.
Industry watchers believe her appointment could mark a turning point for Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector, particularly as the country seeks to stabilise production levels and attract long-term investments under the PIA framework.
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