Regulatory inconsistencies across African countries are threatening to scare off energy investors, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, has warned. Speaking at the Nigerian International Energy Summit in Abuja, Eyesan emphasized that the challenge for Africa is no longer the availability of resources, but fragmented regulations that raise costs, delay projects, and reduce investor confidence.
Eyesan, represented at the summit by NUPRC Director Edu Inyang, highlighted the role of the African Petroleum Regulators’ Forum (AFRIPERF) in tackling these gaps. Launched in collaboration with petroleum regulators across the continent, the forum aims to harmonize technical standards, develop shared data platforms, strengthen regulatory capacity, and present a unified African voice in global energy discussions.
“Africa holds immense potential with eight percent of global oil and gas reserves, nearly 30 percent of critical mineral resources, and a youthful population exceeding 1.5 billion,” Eyesan said. “Harnessing these resources through coordinated policies and aligned regulations can drive industrialization, enhance energy security, and deliver inclusive growth across the continent.”
Despite the global energy transition, Eyesan reaffirmed that oil and gas will remain central to Africa’s development for decades. She cited Nigeria’s efforts under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, major gas infrastructure projects, and the creation of the Africa Energy Bank as examples of how coordinated action can mobilize investment, expand energy access, and drive economic transformation.
Closing her keynote, Eyesan urged African regulators and policymakers to strengthen AFRIPERF, expand regional gas and electricity networks, and adopt shared sustainability standards. “Our voice must be one, our frameworks aligned, and our actions coordinated. Only then can we unlock the full transformative power of Africa’s resources for our people,” she said, stressing that regulatory alignment is key to attracting cross-border investment and realizing Africa’s energy potential.
source: punch