The Centre for Energy Reforms (CER) has voiced optimism that the appointment of Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) will strengthen the agency’s operations and restore confidence in Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory framework.
In a statement released on Thursday, CER’s Executive Director, Dr. Michael Bulus, said Eyesan’s appointment comes at a decisive moment for the upstream oil and gas industry, which is in urgent need of consistent leadership, clearer regulatory direction, and investor reassurance in order to achieve the full goals of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Bulus described Eyesan as a seasoned sector expert with more than 30 years of experience in areas such as strategy development, regulatory oversight, and commercial negotiations.
He noted that her wealth of experience positions her to reinforce the agency’s responsibilities not just as a regulator but as a catalyst for sustainable growth in the oil and gas sector.
Bulus added that Eyesan’s extensive background in the industry provides her with the institutional knowledge and technical competence required to drive effective implementation of the PIA.
“The Centre for Energy Reforms is confident that Ms. Eyesan brings the right mix of industry insight, technical skill, and strategic direction to advance the NUPRC,” he stated.
“Her track record demonstrates a solid grasp of how effective regulation can stimulate growth while upholding transparency, accountability, and the national interest.”
The Centre emphasised that Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector remains a cornerstone of the nation’s economic stability, stressing that successful implementation of the PIA depends heavily on the capability of institutions like the NUPRC to administer the law fairly, efficiently, and with investor-friendly processes.
Bulus further remarked that Eyesan’s early focus on collaboration, operational efficiency, and measurable performance reflects a much-needed shift toward results-oriented regulation.
He pointed out that the industry continues to encounter structural challenges such as dwindling crude oil output, insufficient investment, infrastructure gaps, and global energy transition pressures.
According to CER, overcoming these persistent issues demands a leader who understands both industry dynamics and government policy expectations.
“From her professional journey, it is clear that Ms. Eyesan is fluent in the needs and concerns of investors, operators, policymakers, and host communities,” Bulus said.
“This ability to balance diverse interests will be crucial in attracting fresh investments, expanding gas development, and stabilising crude production.”
CER also commended her intention to prioritise digital systems and streamlined operations, noting that regulatory bottlenecks and lack of transparency have historically weakened investor confidence.
It added that more efficient processes and reliance on accurate data would significantly improve Nigeria’s competitiveness among global oil and gas producers.
Call for Strengthened Capacity and Collaboration
Bulus encouraged the new NUPRC leadership to focus on developing internal capacity, stating that an effective regulator is defined not only by its policies but by the professionalism and technical strength of its workforce.
“The emphasis on staff training and internal synergy is reassuring,” he said.
“A regulator that builds the skills of its personnel is better prepared to enforce compliance, mediate disputes, and guide the sector through ongoing changes.”
He also appealed to operators, civil society, and other stakeholders to cooperate with the new NUPRC head, stressing that meaningful regulatory reform requires collective commitment.
“As expectations increase, so must collaboration. With constructive participation from all stakeholders, the NUPRC has the potential to become a leading regulatory model in Africa, ensuring economic value and responsible resource management,” Bulus said.
The Centre concluded that Eyesan’s leadership offers a chance to strengthen PIA-driven reforms and reposition the upstream petroleum industry for improved transparency, sustainability, and long-term stability.
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