Minister Backs AFRIPERF as NUPRC Chief Seeks Expanded Continental Membership

Minister Backs AFRIPERF as NUPRC Chief Seeks Expanded Continental Membership

....Nigeria has continued to demonstrate leadership in international energy diplomacy, citing the country's recent success in securing the position of Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) as evidence of Africa's growing influence in shaping global energy policies - Ekpo

Emmanuel Oduara 

The Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Senator Ekperikpe Ekpo, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to strengthening Africa's energy regulatory framework by expressing strong support for the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), a continental initiative established to harmonize petroleum regulations, enhance investment opportunities, and foster greater cooperation among African oil and gas regulators.

The Minister gave the assurance during a strategic meeting with the Chairperson of AFRIPERF and the Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, at the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources in Abuja on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

During the engagement, Mrs. Eyesan briefed the Minister on the progress made since the establishment of AFRIPERF and highlighted the growing support the Forum continues to receive across the African continent. She noted that the organization was created to serve as a unified platform for petroleum regulators, promoting regulatory alignment, knowledge sharing, and coordinated policy development aimed at unlocking Africa's vast hydrocarbon resources.

According to her, membership of the Forum continues to expand, reflecting increasing confidence in AFRIPERF's vision of strengthening Africa's energy governance.

She disclosed that, in addition to Nigeria, countries including Ghana, Somalia, The Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, and Togo have already signed the AFRIPERF Charter, while several other African nations are currently at various stages of joining the initiative.

"We've been working to sensitize other regulators within the continent, and today we are happy that quite a number of countries have indicated interest," Mrs. Eyesan stated.

She emphasized that broader membership would further enhance collaboration among petroleum regulatory institutions, facilitate the exchange of technical expertise, encourage regulatory consistency, and create a more attractive investment environment capable of driving sustainable growth across Africa's oil and gas industry.

Responding, Senator Ekpo commended AFRIPERF's leadership and described the Forum as a strategic platform capable of amplifying Africa's collective voice in global energy affairs.

The Minister observed that Nigeria has continued to demonstrate leadership in international energy diplomacy, citing the country's recent success in securing the position of Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) as evidence of Africa's growing influence in shaping global energy policies.

He stressed that Africa must continue to present a united front in international discussions on energy transition, energy security, natural gas development, and sustainable economic growth, noting that stronger collaboration among African regulators would position the continent to better protect its interests while attracting greater investments into its energy sector.

Senator Ekpo reaffirmed the Federal Government's unwavering support for AFRIPERF's objectives and pledged Nigeria's continued commitment to leveraging its extensive regulatory experience and institutional capacity to advance the Forum's continental mandate.

He further emphasized that a harmonized regulatory environment across Africa would improve investor confidence, promote transparency, encourage cross-border collaboration, and accelerate the responsible development of the continent's abundant petroleum resources.

The meeting underscored Nigeria's continued leadership in driving regional cooperation within Africa's energy sector and reinforced the country's commitment to building stronger institutions capable of advancing energy security, economic development, and sustainable investment across the continent.

As AFRIPERF continues to expand its membership and influence, stakeholders believe the Forum is well-positioned to become Africa's premier platform for petroleum regulatory cooperation, helping to shape a more competitive, resilient, and globally integrated energy industry.

HYPENEWS REPORTS