Nigeria has been officially selected as the headquarters of the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), while the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, has been unanimously elected as chairman of the Forum.
Before this formal endorsement, Komolafe had served as the interim chairman. Eyoanwan Ndiyo-Aiyetan was also confirmed as the Forum’s secretary.
The announcement was made during AFRIPERF’s inaugural executive committee meeting, held virtually. Sixteen countries participated, with eight having ratified the treaty to attain full membership and voting rights.
In his acceptance remarks, Komolafe expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him and pledged to ensure that all member nations benefit equally from the Forum’s initiatives. AFRIPERF’s mission is to enhance petroleum governance across the continent through cooperation, collaboration, and regulatory coordination.
The West African Centre for Oil Governance (WACOG) has congratulated Komolafe, describing the development as a significant step toward deeper regional energy integration and regulatory alignment.
In a statement signed by Executive Director Dr. Mensah Kofi Adjei, WACOG said Komolafe’s emergence underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in shaping Africa’s energy future and demonstrates renewed commitment to modern, transparent regulatory practices.
According to WACOG, Komolafe’s track record at NUPRC—strengthening technical standards, reforming regulatory structures, and improving investor relations—made him an ideal candidate to lead the Forum.
The Centre noted that AFRIPERF’s mandate requires a leader with continental experience and strong technical expertise, qualities Komolafe has consistently demonstrated.
WACOG also highlighted the urgency of unified regulatory action as African countries confront global energy shifts, technological changes, and the need for sustainable hydrocarbon development.
Dr. Adjei added that Nigeria’s hosting of AFRIPERF will give West African nations access to the country’s extensive experience in upstream regulation, data management, and institutional governance.
The organisation called on member states to fully support the new leadership and stressed the importance of harmonising petroleum standards, strengthening local content, improving cross-border cooperation, and presenting a united front in global energy discussions.
WACOG further encouraged AFRIPERF to prioritise capacity development, noting that many regulators across Africa still face structural and technical gaps.
The Centre reaffirmed its commitment to working with AFRIPERF on research, training, and policy development to enhance regulatory performance across the continent.
