1 day Ago By NewsDirect
By Seun IbiyemiThe Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and its Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, have been nominated for top honours at the 2025 Africa Energies Summit Awards, set to take place on 15 May in London.The Commission has been shortlisted for the Rhino Award, which recognises Africa’s most outstanding regulatory bodies and national oil companies.
In parallel, Komolafe has been nominated for the prestigious Elephant Award, which acknowledges individuals driving substantial progress in the continent’s energy development.The nominations have drawn strong support from the Alliance for Sustainable Energy Governance in Africa (ASEGA), a civil society group advocating for energy sector reform. The organisation described the recognition as a “timely affirmation” of Nigeria’s rising profile in Africa’s energy landscape, attributing much of the momentum to Komolafe’s stewardship.
“This nomination confirms that strategic, sustained reform delivers results,” said ASEGA’s national president, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello Kura. “The Commission is now regarded as more transparent, more effective, and more attractive to investors than it was four years ago.”Komolafe, appointed in 2021, vowed during his Senate confirmation hearings to modernise the NUPRC and position it as a forward-thinking regulatory body.
ASEGA argues that the latest accolades suggest that vision is being realised, pointing to progress in data-led oversight, stronger investor trust, and enhanced institutional efficiency.Under Komolafe’s leadership, Nigeria has reported reserves of 37.24 billion barrels of oil and 210.
5 trillion cubic feet of gas in 2025. The reserve life spans are currently projected at 64 years for oil and 93 years for gas. Meanwhile, the Commission has launched a strategic plan aimed at boosting daily oil production by an additional one million barrels.
“These accolades are not merely symbolic,” ASEGA noted. “They reflect the tangible progress that capable leadership and sound governance can deliver, both at home and on the international stage.”The Rhino and Elephant Awards remain among the most coveted distinctions at the Africa Energies Summit, which is marking its 29th edition this year.
Other contenders for the Rhino Award include regulatory agencies from Côte d’Ivoire, Angola, and Senegal. Komolafe will be competing with high-profile energy figures from Uganda, Angola, and multinational giant ExxonMobil.As the Summit draws international attention, it provides a valuable platform for recognising leadership and innovation within Africa’s evolving energy sector.
ASEGA has encouraged the NUPRC to sustain its reform agenda and deepen its commitment to lasting, sustainable change.The post NUPRC, CEO Komolafe earn top nominations at 2025 Africa Energies Summit appeared first on Nigerian NewsDirect..
