By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

The Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, has unveiled an ambitious 60-day digital transformation programme aimed at eliminating paper processes and strengthening transparency across the Commission.

Eyesan made the pledge on February 23, 2026, while receiving the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, at the Commission’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.

“We have set for ourselves a 60-day programme to digitise our interactions and communications within the Commission. I can assure you that once we get to day 60, there will be no paper trail within the Commission,” Eyesan declared.

She explained that all transmissions within the regulatory body would become fully electronic, a move she said would significantly improve efficiency, speed, and traceability of processes.

“All our transmissions will be electronic which also means speed is assured. It means we will be able to trace where we have hiccups,” she added.

On Improved Royalty Compliance, Eyesan noted that digitisation has already begun yielding tangible results, particularly in royalty payments enforcement. According to her, prior to 2025, default rates on royalty payments were “enormous” before the Commission transitioned to a live digital system.

“Now, compliance has improved,” she said, expressing confidence that full digital integration would further boost regulatory effectiveness.

The NUPRC boss also called for stronger collaboration with NEITI, especially as Nigeria advances preparations for the 2025 Licensing Round. She stressed that enhanced cooperation would promote transparency and accountability in the upstream petroleum sector.

In his remarks, NEITI Executive Secretary, Hon. Musa Sarkin Adar, urged the Commission to carry the agency along in its operations to deepen transparency and bolster investor confidence.

Adar further called on the Commission to remain firm in enforcing compliance among oil companies operating under the Petroleum Industry Act.

He also encouraged active NUPRC participation in the 2026 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) flagship conference, noting that it would provide valuable insights into evolving global standards guiding EITI implementation.

In a statement by Eniola Akinkuotu, Head, Media and Strategic Communication, The NEITI boss emphasized the need for improved data sharing between both agencies to enhance operational efficiency.
“We are here to seek understanding and we must collaborate,” Adar said.