Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, has received the Global Sustainable Leadership Award at the 2025 Global Sustainable Education and Leadership (G-SEL) Conference, held at the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, United Kingdom.
The two-day event, which brought together senior policymakers, business leaders, and diplomats from across the world, recognised Komolafe’s outstanding leadership in driving reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and positioning Nigeria as a credible, transparent, and competitive energy investment destination.
Since assuming office, Komolafe has played a pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector. Under his leadership, the nation’s rig count has risen dramatically from eight in 2021 to 69 as of October 2025 — representing a growth of more than 760 per cent.
Revenue performance has also consistently surpassed government projections, with surpluses of 18.3 per cent in 2022, 14.6 per cent in 2023, and a remarkable 84.2 per cent in 2024.
Beyond fiscal achievements, NUPRC has made significant progress in promoting host community development and indigenous participation.
Local operators now contribute over 30 per cent of Nigeria’s total oil production, while the implementation of Host Community Development Trusts ensures that oil and gas operations directly benefit local populations in line with global sustainability practices.
Accepting the award, Komolafe dedicated the recognition to the Nigerian people, describing it as a testament to their resilience and the government’s unwavering commitment to reform and sustainable growth in the energy sector.
“This award belongs to Nigeria. It recognises the courage and faith that drive our reforms in the upstream oil and gas sector. We are building a transparent, accountable, and investment-friendly system that reflects our national values and global aspirations,” he said.
Komolafe noted that the NUPRC’s strategy is anchored on three priorities — transparency, competitiveness, and sustainability — with an emphasis on maximising the value of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources while advancing the energy transition.
We are not only regulating production. We are shaping the future of energy in Africa by ensuring that Nigeria remains a reliable supplier, a fair regulator, and a responsible global partner,” the NUPRC boss added.
The G-SEL London Conference 2025, themed ‘The intersection of innovation, sustainability and equity for energy access’, served as a major forum for global dialogue on the future of energy, education, and inclusive growth.
Komolafe’s recognition reinforces Nigeria’s growing reputation as an energy hub built on regulatory integrity, sustainable growth, and global partnership — a milestone that underscores the nation’s role in shaping the next phase of Africa’s energy future.
Other recipients of the Global Sustainable Leadership Award included Angela Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council; Jason Jackson, Mayor of Islington, London; Riad Meddeb, Director of Sustainable Energy at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); and Ben Parsons, Partner at Oakin Energy Transition Strategy, United Kingdom. Others were Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka, Zambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom; Seema Malhotra FRSA, Member of Parliament for Feltham and Heston and Minister at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; and Joel Singh, Director at General Electric Company, United Kingdom.
The award also went to Hon. Dr. Toreria Moyo, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education of Zimbabwe; Mr. Alex Wachira, CBS, Principal Secretary at Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum; and H.E. Dr. Morie K. Manyeh, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom — rounding off a distinguished roster of leaders honoured for their commitment to sustainable growth, inclusive governance, and energy transition across Africa and beyond.
