The African Petroleum Regulators Forum has adopted Nigeria as its headquarters and elected the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, as its substantive chairman.

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Komolafe served in an interim capacity before the confirmation.

The decisions were reached at AFRIPERF’s inaugural executive committee meeting held virtually on December 2. Eyoanwan Ndiyo-Aiyetan was also elected secretary.

Sixteen African countries took part in the meeting, which focused on selecting the Forum’s leadership, headquarters, and logo. Eight countries have so far ratified the treaty, making them full members with voting rights.

Komolafe said the Forum is building the foundation for a more coordinated regulatory landscape across Africa, one that attracts investment, streamlines oversight, and strengthens the continent’s position in a shifting global energy environment.

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He pledged inclusive leadership and assured member states that no country would be left behind.

AFRIPERF’s mandate is to boost collaboration among African petroleum regulators.

Its goals include harmonising standards, improving regulatory capacity, promoting dialogue with industry and global partners, and tackling shared challenges.

The Forum also plans to enhance knowledge exchange, support cross-border energy projects, encourage technology transfer, and project a unified African voice in global hydrocarbon discussions.

Its broader aims include strengthening transparency, ensuring sound regulation, and advancing responsible petroleum development across the continent.