Nigeria has been named the headquarters of the newly formed African Petroleum Regulators Forum, with Gbenga Komolafe, head of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, elected as its chair.

The announcement followed the forum’s inaugural executive committee meeting, held virtually on Tuesday, which brought together representatives from 16 African nations.

Komolafe, who previously served as interim chair, stated that the forum seeks to “establish a more harmonized and collaborative regulatory environment across Africa.”

AFRIPERF was established to enhance petroleum governance on the continent by standardizing regulations, encouraging investment, and promoting cooperation among national regulators.

According to the statement, eight African countries have ratified the forum’s treaty, granting them full membership and voting rights.

As Africa’s largest crude producer, Nigeria has long positioned itself as a center for regional energy collaboration—a role AFRIPERF is expected to further strengthen.