Niger Delta Citizens Alliance Hails NUPRC at Four, Commends Komolafe’s Transformative Leadership

The Niger Delta Citizens Alliance (NDCA) has commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for what it described as four years of groundbreaking achievements that have reshaped Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and delivered tangible benefits to host communities across the Niger Delta.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Port Harcourt by its President, Kingsley Charles, and Secretary General, Ogbobetta Nelli, the group said the Commission, under the leadership of Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, has restored credibility, transparency, and accountability to the upstream petroleum sector through disciplined regulatory reforms and data-driven governance.

“Since its creation in 2021, NUPRC has not only stabilised the upstream industry but has also ensured that host communities are finally part of the nation’s oil prosperity. Through the visionary leadership of Engr. Komolafe, we have witnessed an unprecedented level of inclusion and fairness in resource management,” the statement reads.

The NDCA said the operationalisation of the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) remains one of NUPRC’s most transformative interventions, noting that the Commission has supervised the disbursement of over ₦373 billion in host community funds and the execution of more than 500 projects across oil-bearing states.

“These projects, spanning roads, health centres, schools, and water infrastructure, have directly improved the living standards of local communities. More importantly, the transparent structure of the HostComply digital dashboard introduced by the Commission has built public confidence in how funds are managed. For the first time in decades, host communities can see real impact from the oil wealth extracted from their land,” the Niger Delta group said.

The group also praised the Commission’s success in tackling crude oil theft and boosting national output.

It noted that through collaborative initiatives and stricter surveillance, daily crude losses had dropped by over 90 percent, while the enforcement of the ‘Drill or Drop’ policy revived dormant oilfields and attracted new investments.

“The Commission’s insistence on accountability and productivity has reinvigorated the sector. By approving 79 Field Development Plans worth nearly $40 billion in potential investments and driving a surge in exploration activity, NUPRC has repositioned Nigeria as a strong, competitive player in global energy markets,” the statement added.

The NDCA added that NUPRC’s emphasis on digital regulation, transparency in licensing rounds, and the steady implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) have not only strengthened the nation’s revenue base but also reduced bureaucratic inefficiencies that previously slowed industry growth.

“The achievements of the last four years are proof that effective regulation can transform both the economy and the lives of ordinary citizens. NUPRC today stands as a beacon of reform; one that blends professionalism, transparency, and national service in equal measure,” the group said.