African petroleum regulators have chosen Nigeria as the host country for their new continental forum. They also elected Gbenga Komolafe, head of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), as chair.
Komolafe secured the position during AFRIPERF’s inaugural executive committee meeting on Tuesday. The virtual session drew representatives from 16 African countries.
He said the forum aims to “lay the foundation for a more harmonized and collaborative regulatory environment across Africa.” Komolafe added that the group wants stronger alignment among national regulators.
AFRIPERF seeks to improve petroleum governance by harmonizing regulations, promoting investment and deepening cooperation. Eight countries have ratified its treaty, giving them full membership and voting rights.
Nigeria remains Africa’s largest crude producer. The country has also pushed to position itself as a regional energy hub, and hosting the forum supports that goal.