By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
MRS. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan has formally assumed office as the Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), unveiling an ambitious vision to transform Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas industry in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
Addressing the Commission’s management and staff in her inaugural speech on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Mrs. Eyesan outlined a roadmap aimed at accelerating growth in the upstream petroleum sector while repositioning the NUPRC as a catalyst for value creation rather than merely a regulatory watchdog.
A seasoned oil and gas professional with over 30 years of industry experience, the new CCE said her leadership would focus on empowering operators, investors and partners through constructive engagement.
“Our job is to empower the sector through every interaction with operators, investors and partners,” she said. “We are regulators, yes, but our true purpose is to unlock value.”
In a press statement issued by the Head of Media and Strategic Communications, NUPRC, Mr Eniola Akinkuotu, Mrs. Eyesan expressed confidence that, with the support of staff and management, the Commission would emerge as the gold-standard upstream regulator in Africa.
She pledged to prioritise capacity development, strengthen technical expertise and sustain robust engagement with key stakeholders, including industry players, unions and professional bodies.
On her leadership approach, Mrs. Eyesan assured staff of an open-door policy and regular engagement aimed at fostering teamwork and shared ownership of the Commission’s transformation agenda.
She also appealed for cooperation and collective commitment as the industry enters a new phase of reform.
“If we work together, we can unleash opportunities. I do not see impediments, only opportunities,” she added.
Mrs. Eyesan’s appointment comes at a critical period for Nigeria’s upstream sector, as the country seeks to attract investment, boost production and fully realise the objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act.
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