NUPRC, NMDPRA partner to attract investment, streamline regulations
In an effort to increase regulatory effectiveness and draw investment into Nigeria's oil and gas sector, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission have intensified their cooperation.
The relationship was formalized at a meeting on Thursday at the Commission's corporate offices in Abuja, according to a statement issued by NUPRC's Head of Media and Strategic Communication, Eniola Akinkuotu.
The relationship was formalized at a meeting on Thursday at the Commission's corporate offices in Abuja, according to a statement issued by NUPRC's Head of Media and Strategic Communication, Eniola Akinkuotu.
Both regulators agreed at the meeting to deepen cooperation by appointing representatives tasked with identifying and resolving regulatory bottlenecks across the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors.
The collaboration is intended to increase investor trust, streamline regulatory procedures, and promote expansion throughout the oil and gas industry.
The collaboration is intended to increase investor trust, streamline regulatory procedures, and promote expansion throughout the oil and gas industry.
"The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission have taken significant steps toward enhancing regulatory efficiency and encouraging investments in Nigeria's oil and gas sector," the statement said in part.
The collaboration is intended to increase investor trust, streamline regulatory procedures, and promote expansion throughout the oil and gas industry.
"The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission have taken significant steps toward enhancing regulatory efficiency and encouraging investments in Nigeria's oil and gas sector," the statement said in part.
To formalize the collaboration, NUPRC and NMDPRA agreed to hold quarterly meetings aimed at enhancing communication, addressing challenges promptly, and harmonizing regulatory approaches across the oil and gas value chain.
Speaking at the meeting, NUPRC Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, emphasised the importance of synergy between the two agencies.
She said, “Whether we are talking about the upstream, midstream or downstream, we are enablers for the industry, and without a doubt, we know that the industry is the heartbeat of the nation’s economy. So, we are committed to ensuring that things work properly and the industry grows astronomically.
“We cannot do that if we do not work together because, as we all know, sometimes there is no fine line between upstream, midstream and downstream. And if we are not working together, then that becomes a problem. So, I believe that this will be the beginning of many more interactions.”
She described the meeting as a demonstration of renewed commitment, noting that both agencies are “joining forces to ensure the industry thrives.”
She also extended an invitation to the NMDPRA Chief Executive to attend the pre-bid conference for the ongoing licensing round in Lagos on January 14, 2026, which features 50 oil and gas blocks and is expected to attract significant domestic and foreign investment.
In response, Saidu Mohammed, the chief executive of NMDPRA, considered the two organizations' common beginnings as branches of the erstwhile Department of Petroleum Resources.
"We must improve this relationship between brother and sister agencies," he said, highlighting the necessity of a collaborative approach.
With promises of major advantages for the country's economy in the years to come, the agreement demonstrates both agencies' renewed dedication to improving regulatory efficiency, boosting investor confidence, and fostering long-term growth in Nigeria's oil and gas sector.
"We must improve this relationship between brother and sister agencies," he said, highlighting the necessity of a collaborative approach.
With promises of major advantages for the country's economy in the years to come, the agreement demonstrates both agencies' renewed dedication to improving regulatory efficiency, boosting investor confidence, and fostering long-term growth in Nigeria's oil and gas sector.
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