NUPRC Urges Independent Producers To Elevate Corporate Governance And Human Capital Standards

NUPRC Chief Oritsemeyewa Eyesan calls on independent oil producers to uphold global standards and corporate governance to secure Nigeria's energy future.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 22, 2026, 5:19 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Newsdiaryonline

Promoting Excellence In The Post-Divestment Era

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has issued a call to action for indigenous oil producers to bridge the capacity gap left by departing international oil companies (IOCs). During a courtesy visit by the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) leadership in Abuja, Commission Chief Executive Oritsemeyewa Eyesan stressed that the group is now a "significant force" in the sector. She argued that for the industry to thrive, local producers must adhere strictly to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and uphold the same rigorous corporate governance standards previously set by international partners.

The Global Rating Factor And Human Capital

Eyesan highlighted that international financiers rate the Nigerian investment climate as a whole rather than evaluating individual companies in isolation. She warned that any default in human capital development or operational standards by local players could negatively impact the nation's global standing. By positioning the IPPG as a pressure group that holds its members accountable, the NUPRC hopes to ensure that Nigeria's workforce remains competitive in a global market. "If we do not bring our human capacity to par, we will be creating a big problem for ourselves," she noted.

Operational Transformation And Digitization

In a significant update on the regulator’s internal efficiency, Eyesan announced that the NUPRC officially transitioned to a "paperless" operation on April 18, 2026. This move is part of a broader digital transformation strategy initiated after she assumed office in December 2025. The commission aims to act as a "business enabler," aligning its responsive leadership with the economic aspirations of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The digitisation of records and processes is expected to significantly reduce administrative bottlenecks for upstream stakeholders.