The Centre for Energy Reforms (CER) has expressed confidence that the appointment of Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) will reposition the Commission for stronger performance and renewed credibility within Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
In a statement on Friday, the group’s executive director, Dr Michael Bulus, said Eyesan’s emergence comes at a critical moment for the upstream sector, which requires steady leadership, regulatory clarity and renewed investor confidence to fully deliver the objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Bulus described Eyesan as a seasoned industry professional whose depth of experience across strategy, regulation and commercial negotiations places her in a strong position to strengthen the NUPRC’s role as both a regulator and an enabler of growth.
According to him, Eyesan’s over three decades of industry experience equips her with the institutional memory and technical depth required to drive effective implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act.
“The Centre for Energy Reforms believes that Ms Eyesan brings the right blend of institutional memory, technical competence and strategic vision required to take the NUPRC to greater heights. Her background suggests a clear understanding of how regulation can support industry growth without compromising transparency, accountability or national interest,” Bulus said.
According to the Centre, the upstream sector remains central to Nigeria’s economic stability, and the success of the PIA largely depends on the capacity of institutions such as the NUPRC to implement the law in a predictable, professional and investor-friendly manner.
Bulus noted that Eyesan’s early emphasis on stakeholder engagement, efficiency and performance signals a welcome shift toward outcomes-driven regulation.
The Centre noted that Nigeria’s upstream industry faces persistent challenges, including declining production, underinvestment, infrastructure constraints and global energy transition pressures.
The think tank said addressing these issues requires leadership that understands both the commercial realities of the industry and the policy objectives of government.
“From her career trajectory, Ms Eyesan understands the language of investors, operators, policymakers and host communities. That ability to balance competing interests is essential if Nigeria is to unlock new investments, grow gas development and stabilise crude oil production,” Bulus said.
The Centre for Energy Reforms also welcomed the new chief executive’s focus on digitisation and operational efficiency, noting that regulatory delays and opacity have historically discouraged investment in the sector.
According to the think tank, improving regulatory processes and data-driven decision-making would significantly enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness among oil and gas producing nations.
Bulus further urged the NUPRC under Eyesan’s leadership to prioritise institutional capacity building, arguing that a strong regulator is defined not only by policies but by the technical depth and professionalism of its workforce.
“The commitment to staff development and internal collaboration is encouraging. A regulator that invests in its people is better equipped to enforce standards, resolve disputes and guide the industry through complex transitions,” he said.
The group also called on industry operators, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support the new NUPRC leadership, stressing that regulatory reform requires collective ownership to succeed.
“As expectations rise, so must cooperation. If all stakeholders engage constructively, the NUPRC can truly become a benchmark regulator in Africa, delivering both economic value and responsible resource governance,” he said.
The Centre for Energy Reforms noted that Eyesan’s appointment represents an opportunity to consolidate reforms under the PIA and reposition Nigeria’s upstream sector for sustainable growth, transparency and long-term resilience.
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