Centre Hails Eyesan’s Appointment, Predicts New Era For NUPRC

The Centre for Energy Reforms (CER) has expressed optimism that the appointment of Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) will strengthen regulatory performance and restore investor confidence in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.

In a statement made available to LEADERSHIP, the Executive Director of the Centre, Dr Michael Bulus, said Eyesan’s appointment comes at a critical time when the upstream industry requires stable leadership, regulatory clarity and effective implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Bulus described Eyesan as a seasoned industry professional with extensive experience spanning strategy, regulation and commercial negotiations, noting that her background positions her to enhance the NUPRC’s effectiveness as both a regulator and a facilitator of sectoral growth.

According to him, Eyesan’s more than three decades of experience in the oil and gas industry provide the institutional memory and technical expertise required to drive the objectives of the PIA in a transparent and investor-friendly manner.

“The Centre for Energy Reforms believes that Ms Eyesan brings the right combination of technical competence, institutional knowledge and strategic vision needed to take the NUPRC to greater heights. Her experience demonstrates a clear understanding of how regulation can support industry growth while safeguarding transparency, accountability and the national interest,” Bulus said.

The Centre noted that Nigeria’s upstream sector remains vital to economic stability and government revenue, stressing that the success of the PIA depends largely on the capacity of institutions such as the NUPRC to implement the law in a predictable, professional and efficient manner.

Bulus observed that Eyesan’s early emphasis on stakeholder engagement, operational efficiency and performance measurement signals a shift toward outcome-driven regulation.

He added that the upstream industry continues to grapple with challenges including declining production levels, underinvestment, infrastructure deficits and the pressures of the global energy transition, which demand leadership that understands both commercial realities and public policy objectives.

“From her professional trajectory, Ms Eyesan understands the perspectives of investors, operators, policymakers and host communities. This ability to balance competing interests is essential if Nigeria is to attract new investments, deepen gas development and stabilise crude oil production,” he said.

The Centre also welcomed the new chief executive’s focus on digitisation and improved operational efficiency, noting that regulatory delays and lack of transparency have historically discouraged investment in the sector.

According to the think tank, modernising regulatory processes and embracing data-driven decision-making would significantly enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness among global oil and gas producers.

Bulus further urged the NUPRC under Eyesan’s leadership to prioritise institutional capacity building, stressing that the strength of a regulator lies not only in policy formulation but also in the technical competence and professionalism of its workforce.

He called on industry operators, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support the new leadership of the Commission, noting that meaningful regulatory reform requires collective commitment.

“As expectations rise, cooperation among stakeholders must also deepen. With constructive engagement, the NUPRC can emerge as a benchmark regulatory institution in Africa, delivering economic value while promoting responsible resource governance,” Bulus said.

The Centre for Energy Reforms said Eyesan’s appointment presents an opportunity to consolidate reforms under the PIA and reposition Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector for sustainable growth, transparency and long-term resilience.