Tinubu Hails NUPRC’s Komolafe for Driving Oil & Gas Output, Reforms
By NaijaEnquirer Staff
President Bola Tinubu has lauded the achievements of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), crediting him with spearheading reforms that have boosted crude oil production, expanded gas output, and reduced losses in the sector.
Birthday Tribute and Leadership Recognition
In a statement marking Komolafe’s 62nd birthday, Tinubu described the NUPRC boss as an “accomplished engineer and lawyer whose 35 years in the oil sector have been characterised by innovation and excellence.”
The President noted that under Komolafe’s leadership, the NUPRC has played a central role in stabilising Nigeria’s upstream industry.
Key Achievements in Oil and Gas Reforms
According to Tinubu, Komolafe’s efforts have contributed to ramping up oil production to meet OPEC’s quota, increasing government revenue, and cutting oil losses to a 16-year low. He also highlighted a reduction in gas flaring to 7.16 percent and a rise in daily gas production to 7.59 billion standard cubic feet.
Komolafe has overseen the rollout of 24 transformative regulations—19 of which have already been gazetted—including the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Measurement Regulations and the Advanced Cargo Declaration Regulation, both designed to strengthen accountability and plug financial leakages.
Validation and Transparency
“These reforms are not cosmetic. They are plugging long-standing gaps in upstream monitoring and creating an enabling environment for investment,” Tinubu remarked, noting that the global extractive watchdog NEITI has validated NUPRC’s new licensing processes as transparent and credible.
Career Trajectory and Regional Role
Born in Igbara Oke, Ifedore Local Government of Ondo State, Komolafe’s career has spanned leadership positions at the Pipelines and Petroleum Marketing Company (PPMC) and the Crude Oil Marketing Division of the defunct NNPC, before becoming the pioneer Chief Executive of the NUPRC in 2021.
He also serves as interim Chairman of the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), coordinating regional efforts to harmonise oil and gas regulations across Africa.
President’s Final Words
As he turns 62, President Tinubu expressed optimism about Komolafe’s continued impact on Nigeria’s energy sector. “I look forward to more accomplishments in the oil and gas industry under his stewardship. May God grant him more strength, wisdom, and fulfilment as he continues his dedicated service to our nation,” he said.
