By Obiabin Onukwugha
The newly inaugurated Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Senator Magnus Abe, has resumed duty with a pledge to boost the capacity of the commission in meeting its statutory mandate.
A statement by Eniola Akinkuotu, NUPRC Head, Media and Corporate Communications, said Abe resumed duty alongside other members of the Board shortly after inauguration at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday,
Speaking, Senator Abe assured management that they will work together to uplift the Commission and contribute to the economic growth of the country. The chairman also promised to ensure that the NUPRC gets a more befitting office to maximise staff productivity.
“I believe that of all the priorities we should have, getting a proper office accommodation should take priority over everything else,” he said.
In her remarks, the Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, congratulated the new board members, adding that the Commission depends on them for direction in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.
Eyesan described the inauguration as coming at a most auspicious moment, especially amid the current spike in oil and gas prices occasioned by the Middle East crisis.
“Today, the oil and gas industry is seeing volatility because of the war in the Middle East and the transition and its impact on the industry.
“Nigeria must position itself to respond appropriately to both the energy transition imperative and the disruptions in the Middle East. I believe the Commission is positioned for the shocks or eventuality that may arise,” she said.
The NUPRC chief executive also restated the commitment of the Commission’s management team to reforming the industry.
Earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who inaugurated the board, said the event underscored the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government to strengthening governance in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
He said as the apex governance body of the Commission, the board is expected to provide strategic oversight, policy direction, and institutional stability that will enhance investor confidence and promote sustainable development in the upstream sector.
“This development is firmly aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, which prioritises strong institutions, the rule of law, and integrity in public service,” Akume said.
While congratulating members of the board for their appointment, the SGF charged them “to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, ensure accountability and transparency, and work constructively with management and stakeholders while maintaining regulatory independence.”
Members of the board inaugurated include: Senator Magnus Abe (Chairman), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan (commission chief executive), Engineer Sunday Babalola(non-executive commissioner), Engineer Paul Jezhi (non-executive commissioner), Bashari Indabawa (executive commissioner),
Others are: Muhammed Sabo Lamido (executive commissioner), Mrs. Patience Oyekunle (permanent secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources), Engineer Mustapha Lamorde (Executive Director, HSEC, NMDPRA) and Mr. Dalhat Muhammad Kamal (Director, Ministry of Finance) while Ms. Olayemi Adeboyejo serves as Commission Secretary/Legal Adviser.
