The Centre for Energy Reforms (CER) has expressed confidence that the appointment of Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as the 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 issued on Thursday (today), the group’s Executive Director, Dr Michael Bulus, said Eyesan’s emergence comes at a critical period for the upstream oil and gas sector, which requires stable leadership, regulatory clarity and renewed investor confidence to fully deliver the objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act.
Bulus described the new NUPRC chief as a seasoned industry professional with over three decades of experience spanning strategy, regulation and commercial negotiations.
According to him, her depth of experience places her in a strong position to strengthen the commission’s role not only as a regulator but also as an enabler of sustainable industry growth.
He noted that Eyesan’s long-standing industry exposure equips her with the institutional memory and technical depth required to drive the effective implementation of the PIA.
“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,” Bulus said.
“Her background suggests a clear understanding of how regulation can support industry growth without compromising transparency, accountability or national interest.”
The Centre noted that Nigeria’s upstream sector remains central to the country’s economic stability, stressing that 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 added that Eyesan’s early emphasis on stakeholder engagement, efficiency and performance signals a welcome shift toward outcomes-driven regulation in the sector.
The think tank observed that Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry continues to face persistent challenges, including declining crude oil production, underinvestment, infrastructure constraints and pressures arising from the global energy transition.
According to the group, 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,” Bulus said.
“That ability to balance competing interests is essential if Nigeria is to unlock new investments, grow gas development and stabilise crude oil production.”
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.
It stated that improved regulatory processes and data-driven decision-making would significantly enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness among oil- and gas-producing nations.
Call For Capacity Building, Collaboration
Bulus further urged the NUPRC under Eyesan’s leadership to prioritise institutional capacity building, arguing that a strong regulator is defined not only by its policies but also by the technical depth and professionalism of its workforce.
“The commitment to staff development and internal collaboration is encouraging,” he said.
“A regulator that invests in its people is better equipped to enforce standards, resolve disputes and guide the industry through complex transitions.”
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,” Bulus added.
The Centre concluded that Eyesan’s appointment presents an opportunity to consolidate reforms under the PIA and reposition Nigeria’s upstream sector for sustainable growth, transparency and long-term resilience.