October 13, 2025 | Abuja, Nigeria
The Petroleum and Energy Reform Forum (PAREF) has commended the appointment of Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), as the new Chairman of the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF).
In a statement issued on Monday, PAREF described the appointment as “a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s ongoing oil and gas sector reforms”, crediting Komolafe’s leadership and the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for restoring trust and transparency in the nation’s energy governance.
Recognition for Reform and Leadership
Komolafe’s appointment, announced at the African Petroleum Regulators Forum Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, represents a milestone for Nigeria’s petroleum sector. PAREF said the move underscores Africa’s recognition of Nigeria’s leadership in energy reform and regulatory modernization.
> “This is a recognition of Nigeria’s achievements in petroleum governance,” PAREF Executive Director Dr. Funmilayo Adedayo said. “Komolafe has shown that with clear policy direction and integrity, Nigeria can lead Africa in energy reforms.”
The African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF) serves as a continental platform for collaboration among petroleum regulatory agencies, working to align oil and gas policies, promote sustainable energy development, and build capacity among African nations.
Komolafe’s elevation to the forum’s top position comes at a crucial moment when many African countries are seeking to balance hydrocarbon exploitation with climate and energy transition goals.
Nigeria’s Petroleum Reforms Under Komolafe
Since assuming office in 2021, Komolafe has led the NUPRC through one of Nigeria’s most ambitious reform periods. His leadership has focused on regulatory transparency, investment incentives, and host community engagement — key priorities outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act.
Through his tenure, the commission has implemented digital licensing systems, production monitoring, and data-driven regulation to improve investor confidence.
> “Our vision is to make Nigeria the most attractive upstream investment destination in Africa,” Komolafe said after his appointment. “This recognition is a reflection of collective effort — of all Nigerians committed to reforming our oil and gas sector.”
According to PAREF, Nigeria’s reforms have already attracted renewed interest from foreign investors and independent producers, reversing years of stagnation in exploration and development caused by policy uncertainty.
PAREF: Appointment Reflects Trust in Nigeria’s Energy Policies
PAREF highlighted that Komolafe’s rise at the continental level demonstrates regional confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory capacity. The forum praised the Federal Government’s continued support for reform efforts that prioritize transparency, environmental standards, and economic diversification.
> “Africa is watching Nigeria’s reform journey closely,” PAREF’s statement continued. “This appointment signals that the continent values regulatory consistency, investment openness, and reform-based leadership.”
Energy experts say Komolafe’s new position could allow Nigeria to shape Africa’s oil policy direction, promote local content development, and advocate for equitable energy transition policies across the continent.
AFRIPERF’s Growing Role in Africa’s Energy Sector
Established in 2018, AFRIPERF provides a forum for African oil and gas regulators to share experiences and align policies. Its members include key energy-producing countries such as Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, Egypt, Mozambique, and Algeria.
As chairman, Komolafe is expected to prioritize regional cooperation, investment harmonization, and environmental compliance frameworks. He is also likely to champion Africa’s energy sovereignty agenda, ensuring that global climate goals do not hinder the continent’s economic growth.
> “Africa must have a unified voice on energy matters,” Komolafe emphasized in Nairobi. “Our resources should fuel our development while we responsibly manage the transition to cleaner energy sources.”
Nigeria’s Influence in African Energy Leadership
Komolafe’s rise further consolidates Nigeria’s growing influence in Africa’s energy politics. In recent years, Nigeria has hosted several high-level forums on gas development, energy transition, and cross-border infrastructure, reflecting its commitment to regional collaboration.
Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Nigeria has positioned itself as a continental leader in promoting sustainable oil reforms and gas monetization strategies.
> “Komolafe’s new role puts Nigeria at the center of Africa’s energy conversation,” said Dr. Emmanuel Adebayo, a Lagos-based energy policy expert. “It validates the reforms the NUPRC has been driving since the PIA came into force.
Africa’s Energy Future: Balancing Growth and Transition
As the world moves toward renewable energy, African nations continue to grapple with how to balance fossil fuel dependence with climate commitments. AFRIPERF, under Komolafe’s leadership, will play a crucial role in guiding this transition responsibly.
PAREF urged African regulators to collaborate on gas utilization, renewable integration, and local content expansion to ensure the continent remains competitive in global energy markets.
> “Africa cannot afford to be left behind,” PAREF noted. “Our transition must be fair, equitable, and economically inclusive.”
Industry Reactions and Global Endorsement
The appointment has drawn praise from across the African energy industry. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) congratulated Komolafe, describing his leadership as “visionary and reform-oriented.” The Organization of African Petroleum Producers (APPO) also lauded Nigeria’s progress in creating a model regulatory framework under the PIA.
> “Komolafe’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Africa’s oil sector,” said AEC President NJ Ayuk. “His leadership will inspire reform, attract investment, and ensure sustainable energy development.”
In Nigeria, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources celebrated the announcement, noting that Komolafe’s recognition validates the country’s reform journey.
> “This is a global endorsement of Nigeria’s petroleum transformation,” said a ministry spokesperson. “Our policies are now setting the standard across Africa.”
Economic and Strategic Impact for Nigeria
Beyond prestige, Komolafe’s new role offers Nigeria a strategic advantage in regional energy negotiations, investment discussions, and global partnerships. It also enhances the country’s credibility among international investors, particularly as it seeks to raise crude production and expand gas exports.
Nigeria aims to leverage its position in AFRIPERF to push for equitable trade terms, expand pipeline networks, and build regional refining capacity to reduce dependence on imports.
Experts say this could translate into billions of dollars in new investment if regulatory consistency continues.
Conclusion
Gbenga Komolafe’s appointment as Chairman of the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF) represents more than personal success — it is a symbol of Africa’s confidence in Nigeria’s petroleum reforms and a validation of the nation’s commitment to modern governance.
It marks a turning point for both Nigeria and the continent, reinforcing the idea that effective regulation, transparency, and reform can unlock Africa’s full energy potential.
As Komolafe steps into his new continental role, Nigeria stands at the forefront of shaping Africa’s energy destiny — leading with integrity, innovation, and a clear vision for the future.
