Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to transparency ahead of a new licensing round set for December 1. He spoke at the conclusion of a two-day strategic workshop organized by the Commission’s Corporate Communications and Media Unit in Lagos.

Represented by the Deputy Director of Human Resources, Efemona Bassey, Komolafe emphasized the critical role of the media as “watchdogs and custodians of public trust.” Citing the 1999 Constitution and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, he noted that both law and regulation require openness and reporting on upstream operations.

The workshop aimed to deepen journalists’ understanding of NUPRC’s regulatory work and the evolving upstream petroleum sector. Experts covered topics including exploration, production, acreage management, economic regulation, and host community relations.

Highlighting global trends, Komolafe noted that while oil and gas investments are declining worldwide due to the energy transition, Nigeria continues to make strides, supported by the PIA and President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Orders. He revealed that Nigeria’s daily crude output has exceeded 1.7 million barrels per day multiple times in 2025, with nearly 70 rigs active and $20 billion in Field Development Plans approved over the past 10 months.

Komolafe stressed that the upcoming licensing round will be more transparent and globally competitive than the 2024 exercise, aiming to unlock new reserves, attract investment, and increase production capacity by one million barrels per day.

He underlined the importance of the media in shaping Nigeria’s energy narrative, urging journalists to ensure reporting is factual, balanced, and development-focused. Komolafe noted that the NUPRC will continue to publish data through its website, social media, and quarterly magazine, The Upstream Gaze, to broaden public access.

Echoing President Tinubu’s advice to editors, he said: “Report boldly, but truthfully. Critique government policy with knowledge and fairness; your goal should not be to tear down, but to help build a better society.”