Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan has officially assumed office as the Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), signalling a renewed focus on advancing the country’s upstream oil and gas sector in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

Mrs Eyesan made the announcement during her first town hall meeting with NUPRC management and staff on Tuesday, 23 December 2025. She outlined plans to position the Commission as a business enabler, boost investment in the upstream sector, and drive production growth, particularly in oil and gas output.

“The goal is that we must enable the industry. We are regulators, but we must also enable the industry through our interactions with stakeholders and all relevant parties,” Mrs Eyesan said. “My main objective is to ensure that we make a difference. I believe the NUPRC is at the centre of the industry.”

With over three decades of experience in the oil and gas sector, the new CCE promised to entrench digitisation, transparency, and efficiency in the Commission’s operations. She added that, with the support of staff and management, NUPRC will become the gold-standard regulator in Africa.

Mrs Eyesan also emphasised capacity development, enhanced technical expertise, and sustained engagement with stakeholders, unions, and professional teams. She pledged an open-door leadership style and frequent staff engagement, while calling for cooperation as the sector embarks on its next phase of transformation.

“If we work together, we can unleash opportunities. I don’t see impediments, only opportunities,” she added.

Eniola Akinkuotu

Head, Media & Strategic Communications