By Seun Ibiyemi
The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, has pledged to enhance transparency and fully digitise the Commission’s internal communications and operations within 60 days.
Eyesan made the commitment when the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr Musa Adar, paid a courtesy visit to the Commission’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.NUPRC, NIMASA pledge collaboration to boost Nigeria’s investment climate
In a statement issued after the meeting, Eyesan underscored the importance of digitising processes within the Commission, noting that it would improve efficiency, traceability and regulatory enforcement, particularly in royalty payments.
“We have set for ourselves a 60-day programme to digitise our interactions and communications within the Commission,” she said.
“I can assure you that once we get to day 60, there will be no paper trail within the Commission. All our transmissions will be electronic, which also means speed is assured. It means we will be able to trace where we have hiccups.”
She revealed that prior to 2025, the default rate in royalty payments was significantly high before the Commission transitioned to a digital system. According to her, compliance has improved considerably since the system went live.
Eyesan also called for a deeper collaboration between NUPRC and NEITI, especially as the Commission prepares for the 2025 Licensing Round. She noted that stronger institutional cooperation would further strengthen transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.
In his remarks, Adar emphasised the need for closer collaboration between both agencies, urging NUPRC to carry NEITI along in its operations to enhance transparency and boost investor confidence.NUPRC warns public against fraudulent contract offers
He also advised the Commission to remain firm in enforcing compliance among oil companies that violate provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.
On global transparency standards, Adar encouraged NUPRC to actively participate in the 2026 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) flagship conference, saying the engagement would provide deeper insights into international best practices guiding EITI implementation.
The NEITI boss further sought the Commission’s support in data sharing, stressing that improved access to industry data would significantly enhance NEITI’s oversight and reporting functions.
The renewed commitment to digitisation and inter-agency collaboration is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight and improve transparency in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
