Abe Resumes as NUPRC Board Chairman, Pledges Stronger Oversight
The newly inaugurated Board of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has formally resumed duties, with a commitment to strengthen leadership, enhance regulatory oversight, and reposition Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.
Chairman of the Board, Magnus Abe, who was inaugurated on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, alongside other members at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), pledged to work collaboratively with the Commission’s management to achieve its statutory mandate.
Speaking shortly after resumption at the Commission’s headquarters, Abe assured staff of strategic leadership aimed at institutional growth and national development.
“I want to assure management that we are here strategically to work with you and see that, as much as possible, we work together to uplift the Commission and to help our country,” he said.
He emphasised that the core responsibility of the Board is to provide effective leadership and oversight, while also identifying key priorities to improve operational efficiency. Top on his agenda, he noted, is the provision of a more conducive working environment for staff.
“I believe that of all the priorities we should have, getting a proper office accommodation should take priority over everything else,” Abe stated.
Earlier at the inauguration ceremony, SGF Senator George Akume described the event as a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening governance in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
He noted that the Board, as the apex governance body of the Commission, is expected to provide strategic oversight, policy direction, and institutional stability to boost investor confidence and ensure sustainable development.
“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.
He charged members of the Board to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance, ensure transparency and accountability, and maintain regulatory independence while engaging constructively with stakeholders.
In her remarks, the Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, congratulated the newly inaugurated Board and highlighted the critical timing of their appointment.
She pointed to current global oil and gas market volatility, driven by the Middle East crisis and the ongoing energy transition, as key challenges requiring strategic response.
“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,” she said.
Eyesan expressed confidence in the Commission’s preparedness to manage potential shocks and reiterated management’s commitment to ongoing reforms in the sector in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.
Abe, a former Senator representing Rivers South-East senatorial district, is widely regarded for his experience in institutional reform and leadership. His appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to drive impactful changes in the oil and gas industry while advancing the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Other members of the Board include Sunday Babalola; Non-Executive Commissioner, Paul Jezhi; Non-Executive Commissioner, Bashari Indabawa; Executive Commissioner, Muhammed Lamido; Executive Commissioner, Patience Oyekunle; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mustapha Lamorde; Executive Director, HSEC, NMDPRA, and Dalhat Kamal; Director, Ministry of Finance; while Olayemi Adeboyejo serves as Commission Secretary and Legal Adviser.
