The global Nigerian energy community is celebrating a significant achievement by one of its top regulators. Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has been honoured with two prestigious international awards, drawing praise from Nigerians abroad.
Double Honour for Nigerian Energy Leader
The Nigerians in Diaspora Assembly (NiDA) in London has publicly commended Komolafe for his recent dual recognitions. He was awarded a professional doctorate in Leadership (Energy Law) from the International Business School of Scandinavia. Concurrently, he received the Global Sustainable Leadership Award at the 2025 Global Sustainable Education and Leadership (G-SEL) Conference, which was held at the House of Lords within the UK Parliament.
In an official statement, NiDA London's President, Dr. Sani Abubakar, and Secretary, Mrs. Chioma Okorafor, described the event as a proud moment for Nigeria. They highlighted that Komolafe's recognition serves as a powerful example of leadership excellence that enhances the nation's international reputation.
A Testament to Reform and Results
The diaspora group emphasized that the awards are a direct affirmation of Komolafe's record of integrity, innovation, and professionalism. They specifically praised his transformative leadership at the NUPRC, particularly his diligent implementation of reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and his push for greater indigenous participation in the oil and gas sector.
Under Komolafe's stewardship, Nigeria's upstream sector has witnessed remarkable progress. NiDA highlighted several key performance indicators to underscore this success:
- Active rig counts surged from just 8 in 2021 to 69 by October 2025, representing a massive 760 percent increase.
- The sector's revenue performance has consistently exceeded government targets, recording surpluses of 18.3% in 2022, 14.6% in 2023, and an impressive 84.2% in 2024.
Furthermore, the group applauded the success of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), which has now accumulated over ₦350 billion for infrastructure and social programs in oil-producing regions, fostering peace and shared prosperity.
Inspiring a Nation and Attracting Investment
NiDA London stressed that Komolafe's accomplishments are a source of inspiration for Nigerians worldwide. His honours send a clear message that Nigerians can earn global respect through a commitment to excellence, transparency, and ethical governance.
The group also noted that these achievements have bolstered Nigeria's credibility as a competitive and transparent destination for energy investment. By combining regulatory discipline with strategic vision, Komolafe has positioned Nigeria as a promising hub for upstream investment, demonstrating the transformative potential of African leadership on the world stage.
NiDA concluded by calling for continued support for visionary leaders like Komolafe and encouraged all Nigerians abroad to celebrate such achievements that uplift the nation's global standing.
