A prominent energy policy think tank has voiced strong support for the new leadership at Nigeria's key oil sector regulator, stating it could mark a turning point for the industry. The Centre for Energy Reforms (CER) expressed confidence that the appointment of Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) will enhance regulatory performance and help restore investor trust.
Appointment Comes at Critical Time for Oil Industry
In a statement released on 15 January 2026, the Executive Director of CER, Dr. Michael Bulus, highlighted that Eyesan's appointment coincides with a period of significant pressure for the upstream sector. He pointed to challenges like declining production, chronic underinvestment, and the global push for energy transition as urgent issues requiring adept leadership.
Bulus emphasized that the success of the landmark Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) hinges on regulatory bodies providing clarity, consistency, and high professionalism. He believes Eyesan's extensive background in the oil and gas industry equips her to steer the NUPRC through a crucial phase of regulatory consolidation.
Balancing Oversight with Investment Attraction
The centre described the new NUPRC boss as a seasoned professional with deep experience in regulatory policy, commercial strategy, and stakeholder engagement. CER argues that her understanding of both government goals and private-sector operational realities positions her to balance the commission's oversight duties with the critical need to attract fresh capital into Nigeria's oil fields.
While acknowledging the upstream sector's vital role in national revenue and energy security, CER noted it continues to grapple with deep-seated problems. These include:
- Ageing infrastructure and production facilities.
- Capital flight and lack of new investment.
- Uncertainty and delays in regulatory approvals and processes.
The think tank stressed that tackling these issues demands leadership with a firm grasp of the industry's commercial, technical, and policy dimensions.
Early Positive Signals and the Path Forward
CER welcomed what it sees as encouraging early signs from the new leadership, particularly regarding stakeholder engagement, operational efficiency, and the push for digitisation. The centre stated that historically, opaque and slow regulatory processes have been a major deterrent for investors. Therefore, a shift towards transparent, data-driven regulation could significantly improve Nigeria's competitiveness among global oil producers.
Dr. Bulus further urged the NUPRC to prioritise building internal capacity, noting that regulatory effectiveness is directly linked to the technical skill and professionalism of its staff. Sustained investment in human capital, he argued, would improve enforcement, dispute resolution, and the institution's long-term credibility.
The Centre for Energy Reforms concluded that while optimistic, lasting regulatory reform requires cooperation across the entire industry. It called on oil operators, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to engage constructively with the new NUPRC leadership, asserting that shared ownership of the reform process is essential for meaningful and sustainable impact.
