IEA Praises NUPRC Reforms, Seeks Stronger Collaboration
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for integrating decarbonisation requirements into upstream project approvals, noting that the Commission’s inclusion of green strategies in Field Development Plans (FDPs) aligns with global funding expectations for low-carbon projects.
Rita Maderia, IEA Africa Programme Manager, made the remarks during a courtesy visit to NUPRC aimed at strengthening collaboration on data integrity, energy transition, investment climate, and upstream sector governance.
The IEA highlighted that Nigeria’s gas resources are crucial to addressing Africa’s energy access gap, where nearly 600 million people remain without electricity. The Agency emphasized that fully developing Africa’s identified gas reserves would increase global emissions by only 0.5%, underlining the continent’s right to pursue energy development.
The IEA also pledged support by:
• Providing access to market intelligence products such as the Monthly Oil Market Report.
• Hosting joint workshops on gas monetization and Africa’s energy transition.
• Expanding technical-level data exchanges with NUPRC experts.
• Supporting Nigeria’s participation in international energy forums.
In response, NUPRC Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparent regulation, investor confidence, and sustainable development under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021. He emphasized an open-door policy to foster continuous engagement with IEA and development partners, positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s energy transition and upstream investment growth.
