African Petroleum Regulators Demand More Collaboration, Innovation From Members

The African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF) has urged its members to embrace more collaboration and innovation in the 2025 operational year going forward to enable it achieve its aspirations and set objectives.

The interim chairman of the Forum, Gbenga Komolafe, said in his New Year message to members that this moment in the life of the group serves as an opportunity for deep introspection and reflection on the challenges and opportunities, renewal of hope and expectations as well as reaffirmation of commitment to its collective goals in advancing Africa’s petroleum sector.

AFRIPERF is a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing governance and regulatory practices in the petroleum sector across Africa.

Formed barely seven months ago, AFRIPERF was formally launched in July 2024 during the Nigeria Oil and Gas Energy Week to promote cooperation among regulators from various African oil and gas-producing countries, including Angola, Ghana, Liberia, The Gambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Sierra Leone and Senegal.

“In 2025, we encourage a spirit of enthusiasm, active participation, and collaboration among all members. Our objectives are ambitious, and achieving them necessitates the dedication and engagement of every participant.

We urge all members to prioritise attendance at our quarterly hybrid meetings. Your presence is crucial for fostering discussions and enhancing our decision-making processes, ensuring we remain aligned with our mission,” Engr. Komolafe said the message to members.

The interim chairman, who is also the Commission Chief Executive of Nigeria’s Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), emphasised the fundamental nature of inclusivity to AFRIPERF.

“Together, we can cultivate an environment where every voice is heard and every contribution is valued. Let us unite to leverage our diverse strengths, share knowledge and promote best practices across the continent,” he said.

For him, there was an urgent need to enhance training, research and innovation to build resilient regulatory institutions, adding that the aim of AFRIPERF was to promote uniform regulatory practices that attract investment and optimise resource management throughout Africa.

Also, he said the Forum advocates for Africa’s priorities in the global energy landscape, while integrating renewable energy and emissions reduction into existing policies.

He underlined the need to expand AFRIPERF’s reach and ensure that all members actively participate in shaping the continent’s collective future.

As members of the Forum embark on the journey together, Komolafe urged them to be confident that their collective efforts would lead to significant advancements in the petroleum sector.

“Together, we can navigate challenges and seize opportunities that will benefit not only our countries, but also the oil and gas sector across the continent and the communities we serve,” he said.

Wishing members a year filled with collaboration, innovation and success, he asked them to make 2025 a landmark year for AFRIPERF.