The Federal Government has officially gazetted 21 new regulations for Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector, aiming to boost investment, enhance operational efficiency, and align industry standards with national and global goals.

Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, announced this during his goodwill address at the 48th Society of Petroleum Engineers’ Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition in Lagos.

Komolafe stated that the new regulations, developed under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, are intended to provide regulatory clarity, attract investment, and strengthen transparency and accountability in exploration and production activities.

“Since the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, the commission has so far gazetted 21 key regulations, with others at various phases of development. These regulations provide the clarity required to support investment, streamline administration, and align upstream operations with national and global priorities,” he said.

Among the regulations outlined by the NUPRC Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, are the Upstream Petroleum Measurement Regulations, which promote transparency and accountability through the use of technology for precise production tracking. Also highlighted were the Gas Flaring, Venting, and Methane Emissions Regulations, aimed at curbing emissions and advancing Nigeria’s decarbonisation agenda.

Other notable regulations include the Host Community Development Regulations, Domestic Gas Delivery Obligation Regulations, Upstream Petroleum Safety Regulations, and Decommissioning and Abandonment Regulations—each designed to enhance sustainability, safety, and compliance in upstream operations.

Komolafe emphasized that the NUPRC is “not just focused on compliance,” but is repositioning itself as an enabling regulator committed to fostering innovation and delivering sustainable value across the upstream sector.

“These instruments demonstrate our commitment to creating a regulatory environment that fosters innovation, secures long-term value, and ensures the responsible stewardship of Nigeria’s upstream resources,” he said.

In a related development, Komolafe noted that the commission is implementing a seven-pillar Decarbonisation and Sustainability Blueprint, as part of broader efforts to drive environmental responsibility. He also disclosed that Nigeria recently reached a peak oil production level of 1.8 million barrels per day.

He urged all operators and stakeholders to engage with the newly gazetted regulations, align their operations accordingly, and support the commission’s mission to build an efficient, transparent, and globally competitive upstream petroleum sector.

Speaking at the event, Chairperson of the SPE Nigeria Council, Amina Danmaladi, welcomed participants and encouraged them to take full advantage of the conference, describing it as a “rich and rewarding experience” for professional growth and industry engagement.