Nigeria Named Headquarters Of African Petroleum Regulators Forum, Gbenga Komolafe Elected Chair

Nigeria has been chosen as the headquarters of the newly established African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), with Gbenga Komolafe, head of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), elected as its chair. The announcement was made on Wednesday following the forum’s inaugural executive committee meeting held virtually on Tuesday, which was attended by representatives from 16 African countries.

Komolafe, who previously served as interim chair, said the forum aims to “lay the foundation for a more harmonized and collaborative regulatory environment across Africa.” AFRIPERF was created to strengthen petroleum governance on the continent by harmonising regulations, promoting investment, and fostering cooperation among national regulators.

Eight African countries have ratified the forum’s treaty, granting them full membership and voting rights, the statement said. Nigeria, Africa’s largest crude producer, has long positioned itself as a hub for regional energy collaboration, a role that is expected to be reinforced through AFRIPERF.

Melissa Enoch