…NNPC boss attends NAICE conference, dispels exit rumours
By Adewale Sanyaolu
Nigeria has exceeded the 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) oil production threshold, edging closer to its 2 million bpd goal, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) announced on Monday.
Delivering a goodwill message and regulatory address at the 2025 Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE), the Commission Chief Executive, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, highlighted the milestone as a testament to ongoing reforms in the upstream sector. The event, hosted by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigerian Council, was themed: “Building a Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources and Policy.”
Komolafe, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Development and Production, NUPRC, Mr. Enorense Amadasu, added that the Commission is pursuing the Project 1 MMBOPD incremental initiative with modest gains recorded, owing to the multi-stakeholder collaborative approach adopted. He added that, as part of its commitment towards sustainable production, the Commission is optimising the Maximum Efficient Rate (MER) framework, addressing produced water management, and aligning operational shutdowns and turnaround maintenance schedules to ensure minimal production disruptions.
“Given the above and with the concerted efforts of all, the presidential mandate on production increase is well within reach.”
But in a dramatic twist which elicited surprise from the oil and gas industry, the embattled Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, made a swift appearance at the 2025 NAICE.
Ojulari, while delivering his keynote address virtually, called on Nigeria and other African countries to chart their course in the global energy transition by embracing technology, building cross-border alliances, and investing in human capital development.
The virtual appearance of Ojulari may have put to rest speculations around his retirement over allegations bordering on corporate governance breaches and a conflict of interest with the Presidency.
“We must recognise the future of energy is neither linear nor pre-determined; it is shaped by the decisions we make, and how we intentionally engage, strategically invest, and boldly embrace innovations.”
According to him, the oil and gas industry must be repositioned as the cornerstone of a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient energy future. He said, “Energy must be repositioned as an inclusive energy future.”
The NNPC GCEO warned against adopting externally imposed transition models, stating, “Energy transition must not be imposed; it must be contextualised, just, and negotiated.
“Many of our people are yet to attain basic energy access. Our people need energy, and our approach must be balanced and anchored on energy justice,” he said.
Ojulari explained that Africa faces complex, interrelated challenges, including climate change, capital flight, technology gaps, and supply disruptions, which, according to him, cannot be effectively tackled in isolation.
He stressed the need for collective solutions and dialogue, adding that “We need to deepen alliances across regional lines. We must foster robust, transparent dialogue among all stakeholders. Through partnership, we can achieve.”
Komolafe stressed further that as the upstream industry regulator, its responsibility goes beyond compliance.
“We are focused on enabling a stable, efficient, and forward-looking upstream sector, one that balances the imperatives of energy security, environmental responsibility, and economic sustainability.
“Technology is central to enabling a dynamic and vibrant industry. Today, we are witnessing a shift in exploration, development, and production methods anchored on technological transformation. At the Commission, we are promoting technology adaptation and sanctioning novel technologies in all areas of E&P – from traditional operations to innovative approaches for decarbonisation and emission reduction.
“By the same token, the NUPRC has embraced technology in its regulatory operations to enhance service delivery, improve turnaround time, and rejig its business process. These are not just technical upgrades; they are part of our broader effort to entrench transparency, promote accountability, and reduce costs – all geared towards enabling industry growth and vitality.”
In his remarks, the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the twin imperatives of ensuring energy security and meeting climate commitments have placed countries like Nigeria at the forefront of a global balancing act — one that demands thoughtful innovation, bold policy decisions, and strategic investment.
“As part of our response, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has placed gas at the heart of Nigeria’s energy strategy. His vision, aptly captured in the phrase ‘From Gas to Prosperity’, reflects our national ambition to utilise our abundant natural gas resources to fuel industrialisation, create jobs, and expand access to clean and affordable energy for all Nigerians.”
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