Sopuruchi Onwuka

Nigeria and the International Energy Agency (IEA) agreed to deepen cooperation on data integrity, energy transition planning, and upstream sector governance following a high-level meeting between the Agency’s delegation and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in Abuja.

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Both parties also committed to expanding technical data exchanges, strengthening capacity building, and improving Nigeria’s access to global energy insights that support investment decisions.

The IEA delegation visited the Commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where they were received by the Commission Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.

He reaffirmed NUPRC’s commitment to transparent regulation and investor confidence under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

Komolafe noted that the PIA has created a predictable and commercially viable regulatory environment and highlighted that the Commission has developed and gazetted 17 regulatory instruments in four years through consultation with stakeholders, providing clarity and reducing discretion.

IEA Africa Programme Manager, Rita Maderia, commended NUPRC for embedding decarbonization requirements into upstream project approvals.

She said the Commission’s approach to integrating green strategies into Field Development Plans aligns with global financing expectations for low-carbon projects.

Maderia also emphasized the continuing importance of Nigeria’s gas resources in addressing Africa’s energy access gap, noting that nearly 600 million people on the continent still lack electricity.

She stressed that even full development of Africa’s known gas reserves would increase global emissions by only 0.5 percent, reinforcing the continent’s right to pursue energy development with minimal climate impact.

Both sides expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation through improved data sharing, joint technical engagements, and support for Nigeria’s participation in international energy forums.

Komolafe highlighted ongoing efforts to protect the integrity and commercial value of Nigeria’s upstream data, explaining that the Commission is enhancing its digital data management systems to ensure stronger validation, security, and optimal utilization.

He added that NUPRC will maintain an open-door policy with the IEA and other development partners as Nigeria works to consolidate its leadership in Africa’s energy transition and drive growth in upstream investment.