The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has officially gazetted 21 new regulations designed to enhance investment opportunities, promote transparency, and align the sector with global energy standards.
The announcement was made by the Commission Chief Executive (CCE), Gbenga Komolafe, during his address at the 48th Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition held in Lagos.
Komolafe said the new regulations were developed under the framework of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021, and serve as critical instruments for regulatory clarity, investor confidence, and streamlined administrative processes.
“Since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, the Commission has gazetted 21 key regulations. These are structured to support investment, simplify processes, and align upstream operations with both national priorities and global best practices,” Komolafe stated.
Among the newly gazetted instruments are:
Upstream Petroleum Measurement Regulations – ensuring accurate tracking of crude production and promoting fiscal accountability.
Gas Flaring, Venting and Methane Emissions Regulations – targeted at reducing harmful emissions, enforcing decarbonisation, and promoting sustainability.
Host Community Development Regulations – focused on fostering sustainable relationships with host communities.
Domestic Gas Delivery Obligation Regulations – enhancing domestic gas supply reliability.
Upstream Petroleum Safety Regulations and Decommissioning and Abandonment Regulations – ensuring operational safety and responsible asset lifecycle management.
“These instruments reflect our commitment to responsible resource management and sustainable upstream development. The regulations are not merely for compliance; they are enablers of innovation, transparency, and investor confidence,” Komolafe explained.
Komolafe further noted that the commission is implementing a seven-pillar Decarbonisation and Sustainability Blueprint. This initiative is aligned with global climate goals and aims to lower Nigeria’s carbon footprint while promoting responsible exploration and production.
He revealed that Nigeria recently hit a peak production level of 1.8 million barrels per day, a positive signal amid ongoing efforts to stabilise output and attract upstream capital.
“Our regulatory roadmap ensures long-term value, technological innovation, and efficient management of Nigeria’s petroleum resources,” he said, urging operators to integrate the new regulations into their strategies.
Chairperson of the SPE Nigeria Council, Amina Danmaladi, in her remarks, praised the regulatory advancements and urged industry players to leverage the conference as a platform to deepen collaboration and adapt to emerging energy dynamics.
She announced that the 49th edition of the SPE Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition will be held from August 3, 2026, themed: “Thriving in the Evolving Global Energy Landscape: Collaborating Growth and Resilience.”
Danmaladi stressed the need for synergy between regulators, investors, and operators to drive local content, energy security, and resilience across the oil value chain.
Despite being one of Africa’s top crude producers, Nigeria’s upstream sector has faced challenges ranging from regulatory uncertainty to capital flight and environmental concerns. With the implementation of these 21 regulations, stakeholders believe Nigeria can reposition itself as a viable destination for global oil and gas investments.
Industry analysts have described the gazetting of the regulations as “a long-overdue foundation for unlocking billions in upstream capital,” particularly in deep offshore, marginal field development, and gas-based industrialisation.
The gazetted regulations mark a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest to attract both foreign direct investment (FDI) and domestic capital to its upstream petroleum sector. With a more transparent, enforceable, and investor-friendly environment, the NUPRC’s strategic reforms could stimulate production, support energy transition, and elevate Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
As global investors seek stable and regulated markets, Nigeria’s upstream regulatory overhaul could be the catalyst the sector needs to thrive once again.