Komolafe Receives Global Leadership Award for Advancing PIA Implementation

Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, has received the Global Sustainable Leadership Award at the 2025 Global Sustainable Education and Leadership (G-SEL) Conference held at the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, London. The high-level gathering, which ran from November 6–7, brought together global policymakers, diplomats, and industry […]

Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, has received the Global Sustainable Leadership Award at the 2025 Global Sustainable Education and Leadership (G-SEL) Conference held at the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, London.

The high-level gathering, which ran from November 6–7, brought together global policymakers, diplomats, and industry leaders to explore pathways for innovation, sustainability, and equitable energy access. Komolafe was recognised for his transformative leadership in implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), advancing transparency, and repositioning Nigeria’s oil and gas sector as a globally competitive investment destination.

Under Komolafe’s stewardship, the NUPRC has driven one of the most ambitious reform agendas in Africa’s energy landscape. Nigeria’s rig count has risen dramatically from eight in 2021 to 69 as of October 2025 — a 760 per cent increase that signals renewed investor confidence and operational vibrancy in the upstream sector. In addition, the Commission’s revenue performance has consistently surpassed federal projections, with surpluses of 18.3 per cent in 2022, 14.6 per cent in 2023, and an exceptional 84.2 per cent in 2024.

Beyond revenue growth, Komolafe’s tenure has seen measurable progress in host community development and indigenous participation. Local oil producers now account for more than 30 per cent of national output, while the rollout of Host Community Development Trusts has begun to channel direct socio-economic benefits to oil-producing communities — a landmark step towards shared prosperity and peace in the Niger Delta.

Accepting the award, Komolafe dedicated the honour to the Nigerian people, describing it as a testament to their resilience and the administration’s commitment to reform.

“This award belongs to Nigeria. It recognises the courage and faith that drive our reforms in the upstream oil and gas sector. We are building a transparent, accountable, and investment-friendly system that reflects our national values and global aspirations,” he said.

Komolafe explained that NUPRC’s reform strategy is anchored on three pillars — transparency, competitiveness, and sustainability — aimed at optimising Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources while advancing a just and inclusive energy transition.

“We are not only regulating production. We are shaping the future of energy in Africa by ensuring that Nigeria remains a reliable supplier, a fair regulator, and a responsible global partner,” he added.

Other recipients of the Global Sustainable Leadership Award included Angela Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council; Jason Jackson, Mayor of Islington, London; Riad Meddeb, Director of Sustainable Energy at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); and Ben Parsons, Partner at Oakin Energy Transition Strategy, United Kingdom. Others were Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka, Zambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom; Seema Malhotra FRSA, Member of Parliament for Feltham and Heston and Minister at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; and Joel Singh, Director at General Electric Company, United Kingdom.

The honour also went to Hon. Dr. Toreria Moyo, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Zimbabwe; Mr. Alex Wachira, CBS, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Kenya; and H.E. Dr. Morie K. Manyeh, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom