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The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, has urged African nations to implement a unified regulatory framework to enhance investment in the oil and gas sector. Speaking at the Nigerian International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja on February 2, 2026, she highlighted that over 180 trillion cubic feet of discovered natural gas in Africa remains unsanctioned due to fragmented regulatory regimes.

Eyesan emphasized the need to strengthen the African Petroleum Regulators' Forum (AFRIPERF) to harmonize energy regulations and facilitate cross-border projects. She noted Africa's vast resources, including about 8% of global oil and gas reserves and a youthful population of over 1.5 billion, and stated that coordinated policies could drive industrialization and enhance energy security. Nigeria's initiatives, such as the Petroleum Industry Act and major gas pipeline projects, demonstrate leadership in developing a cohesive regulatory environment.