By Seun Ibiyemi
The Commission Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan has pledged to intensify efforts to promote gender inclusion and empower women across Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors.
She made the announcement on Friday, March 27, 2026, during her keynote speech at the 5th anniversary of the Women in Maritime and Energy (WIME) Awards, held at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos.
“In my capacity as Commission Chief Executive of the NUPRC, I reaffirm my personal commitment to this cause. I stand not only as a supporter but as an active ally to WIME, committed to amplifying its voice, strengthening its advocacy, and ensuring that its impact is felt across policy and practice within the maritime and energy sectors,” she said.
Mrs. Eyesan observed that women remain underrepresented in critical segments of the energy and maritime industries, particularly in upstream operations, where structural and cultural barriers continue to limit opportunities.
She added that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission is working in line with the Federal Government’s broader gender inclusion agenda by promoting diversity in licensing, workforce participation, and stakeholder engagement.
Policies supporting technical capacity development for women are also being strengthened.
Read also:NAFDAC’s 5+5 policy drives surge in foreign investment in pharma sector
The NUPRC boss urged stakeholders to explore innovative solutions such as dedicated financing windows, gender-focused investment funds, and long-term frameworks to support women-led enterprises, highlighting the need for sustained action to enhance women’s impact in the sector.
