By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) have agreed to deepen collaboration aimed at improving operational efficiency and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in the oil and gas sector.

The resolution followed a high-level meeting between the management teams of both organisations at the NUPRC corporate headquarters in Abuja on Friday.

Speaking at the meeting, the Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said both institutions, as agencies of the Federal Government, share common objectives that must be pursued collaboratively.

“As major instruments of government in the industry, we are aligned toward the same goal, and this alignment is pivotal. We must not lose this golden opportunity,” Eyesan said.

She disclosed that the Commission is prioritising the reduction of operating costs across the upstream sector through the harmonisation of fees and rents, a move aimed at making Nigeria’s oil and gas industry more competitive globally.

Eyesan noted that NUPRC is working closely with the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) to address the multiplicity of fees and rents charged within the sector.

“We are working with the industry on harmonising the fees and rents that we charge. The whole idea is to reduce them to the barest minimum so that we can significantly lower the cost of operations,” she explained.

The NUPRC boss also revealed that the Commission is strengthening measurement and hydrocarbon accounting systems, noting that the first phase, an audit of existing infrastructure, has been completed.

“The second phase, which will commence shortly, will involve the full implementation of metering standards. This programme will include a central data centre and standardised meters across all locations,” she said.

On community relations, Eyesan said the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) framework has recorded notable success but stressed the need for proper utilisation of the funds to ensure community peace and a more conducive operating environment.

She further encouraged NNPC, as the national oil company, to actively participate in the ongoing 2025 licensing round and intensify exploration activities.

In his remarks, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Engineer Bayo Ojulari, emphasised the importance of strengthening the working relationship between the national oil company and the regulator.
Ojulari congratulated Eyesan on her appointment, describing her leadership as a source of renewed confidence for the industry.
“Your antecedents, track record, integrity, forthrightness, and clarity excite the industry,” he said.

He commended NUPRC for providing strong regulatory leadership, noting that the Commission has continued to promote transparency and create an enabling environment critical for investment and operational excellence.

The NNPC GCEO disclosed that the company recently launched the National Gas Master Plan, which is expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s gas production capacity. He added that major infrastructure projects, including the OB3 and AKK gas pipelines, are making steady progress.

Ojulari presented a copy of the Gas Master Plan to the NUPRC chief executive but stressed that reducing operating costs remains key to attracting new investments and strengthening Nigeria’s energy security.
“As the national energy company operating commercially under the Petroleum Industry Act, our success is intertwined with effective regulatory stewardship. We are confident this partnership will be taken to the next level and will unlock greater value for Nigeria,” he said.