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Komolafe: Nigeria’s Upstream Reforms Driving Oil Output, Gas Investment
Nigeria is witnessing a significant boost in oil production and gas investment, thanks to sweeping reforms in its upstream sector, according to Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Speaking at the 2025 Africa Energies Summit in London, Komolafe outlined the strategic interventions fueling renewed investor confidence and operational momentum in Africa’s largest energy market.
Komolafe said Nigeria’s upstream transformation is anchored on three core pillars: transparent licensing rounds, quality subsurface data, and bold regulatory reforms enabled by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
These reforms, he noted, are positioning the country as a competitive, attractive, and investor-friendly destination.
“Each of these awards and rounds was conducted with unprecedented transparency, unmatched competitiveness, and remarkable investor engagement,” Komolafe said.
“Collectively, they have repositioned Nigeria as a prime destination for oil and gas investment, while reaffirming our commitment to global standards of excellence, innovation, and partnership.”
At the heart of this transformation, he said, is access to high-quality seismic and geological data which are critical for risk assessment and investment decisions.
NUPRC, in collaboration with global partners, has embarked on one of Africa’s most ambitious data acquisition efforts.
“Through a landmark partnership with TGS-PetroData and other multiclient service providers, the NUPRC embarked on one of Africa’s most ambitious data acquisition and reprocessing campaigns, acquiring over 11,000 square kilometers of 3D seismic data as part of the broader 56,000 sq km Awalé Project,” he said.
“At the heart of this revolution also is our National Data Repository (NDR), which houses one of the most extensive seismic databases on the continent and records from over 10,000 wells, enabling both physical and remote access for thorough technical due diligence.
“This wealth of accessible, high-quality data has not only empowered investor confidence during recent bid rounds but has firmly repositioned Nigeria as one of the most data-rich and investment-ready destinations in the global energy landscape.”
Komolafe also highlighted the impact of recent policy moves under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including the reduction of entry barriers and the rollout of incentives tailored to global realities.
“Today, entry fees are pragmatic, calibrated to global realities, and tailored to support commercial viability on a case-by-case basis,” he stated.
“Through the Presidential Executive Orders and the proactive stance of the NUPRC, Nigeria has redefined itself not only as a land of vast hydrocarbon potential but as a destination where opportunity meets ease of doing business, certainty, and investor value.”
As a result, Nigeria has seen rig counts rise from eight in 2021 to 36 today with projections to hit 50 by the end of 2025.
“New investors, empowered by clarity and quality, have entered our sector; oil and gas reserves and production have increased, while rig counts have surged from 8 in 2021 to 36 currently,” Komolafe noted.
“With 210.54 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, the largest in Africa, and 37.28 billion barrels of crude oil reserves, Nigeria holds enormous reserves.”
To consolidate these gains, the NUPRC launched the “Project 1 Million Barrels per Day” initiative, aimed at increasing crude oil output by over a million barrels daily above the October 2024 baseline. Komolafe said the results are already evident.
“Since the launch of the project, we have achieved a notable increase in daily production, recently reaching 1.78 million barrels per day, up from a baseline of 1.46 million barrels per day in October 2024,” he said.
“To sustain momentum, the NUPRC is fast-tracking rig licensing and is set to introduce digital tools aimed at optimizing rig utilization and securing long-term contracts.”
While challenges remain, Komolafe affirmed that Nigeria is not short of ambition or action.
The CCE called on international partners, financiers, and technology leaders to join hands with Nigeria to unlock its full upstream potential — offering a blend of opportunity and certainty rarely found in the global energy landscape.
“Distinguished Investors and Partners, our drive to tackle production and evacuation challenges has presented several opportunities in a wide range of upstream activities including reviving shut-in wells, executing workover campaigns, deploying enhanced oil recovery techniques in mature fields, and advancing new development drilling across both brownfields and underdeveloped assets. These efforts must be supported by robust reservoir management and real-time production optimization,” he added.
“Additionally, Nigeria’s youthful population presents a unique opportunity to drive innovation and workforce development in the exploration of frontier basins as well as the advancement of decarbonisation technologies in the oil and gas sector.
“Nigeria is not waiting on the sidelines. We are standing boldly at the center; fully ready, capable, and determined to lead. In this new energy era, our initiatives and strategic efforts are designed to deepen investor confidence, drive sustainable growth, bridge the gap between resource potential and actual production, unlock the full value of our upstream assets, and deliver tangible results that advance shared prosperity.”
With the right reforms in motion and a clear vision for sustainability, experts say Nigeria stands ready to harness its full upstream potential and become a cornerstone of Africa’s energy future.
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Army Supply and Transport Corps Reviews Operations, Targets Improved Service Delivery
The Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport (CCST), Maj.-Gen. Nansak Danjuma Shagaya, has commenced a two-day conference aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and service delivery in support of Nigerian Army missions.
The conference, with the theme “Optimising ST Capabilities Towards Providing Effective Service Delivery to Nigerian Army Operations in All Missions,” began on Tuesday at the Muhammadu Buhari Auditorium, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), Benin City, Edo State.
Shagaya said the conference was designed to review the Corps’ performance in ongoing military operations and provide a platform for strategic reflection, institutional learning, and collective problem-solving.
He noted that the forum would enable commanders to exchange ideas, assess operational realities, evaluate emerging challenges, and develop strategies to strengthen logistics support in a dynamic security environment.
“The contemporary operational landscape in which the Nigerian Army operates is increasingly complex and multidimensional,” he said.
“Modern military operations are characterised by fluid threat dynamics, technological evolution, and heightened demands on operational sustainability. In such an environment, the role of logistics has become even more critical.”
The CCST added that the conference would facilitate frank and professional engagement among senior officers to review operational commitments, examine institutional challenges, and explore innovative approaches to improve efficiency.
He urged participants to approach discussions with professionalism and a shared commitment to strengthening the Corps’ effectiveness.
Earlier, the Commandant of NASST, Maj.-Gen. Adebayo Olatunde Adegbite, said the conference would provide an avenue for interaction between the Corps Commander, field commanders, and senior officers on achieving the Nigerian Army’s mission.
Adegbite said the engagement aligns with the Corps’ command philosophy of developing a highly proficient Supply and Transport Corps capable of efficiently supporting the Army in fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.
He added that the conference would promote knowledge sharing, address operational challenges, and enhance service delivery.
Highlights of the event include the commissioning of a Soldiers’ Dining Hall, a remodeled NASST Driving Simulation Centre, the unveiling of Col. I. Taiwo Crescent, and a group photograph.
The conference will also feature a Pulling-Out Ceremony and Gala Night in honour of retired generals of the Corps on March 26.
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NUJ FCT Chairman, Grace Ike, Hailed as Transformative Leader on Birthday
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Grace Ike, has been described as a transformative leader in the media profession as she marks her birthday.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, a former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Evelyn Onyilo, commended Ike for breaking barriers and redefining leadership within the union.
Onyilo noted that Ike made history as the first female chairman of the NUJ FCT Council in over four decades, describing her emergence as a significant milestone for women in journalism.
She said Ike’s tenure had been marked by remarkable achievements, particularly in infrastructural development and the welfare of members, adding that her leadership had also strengthened participation and unity within the union.
“Her tenure has witnessed unprecedented development and effective mobilisation of members to actively participate in the affairs of the union, making her a foremost transformative leader of our era,” Onyilo said.
The publisher of Phenomenal People Magazine further described Ike as a media icon of immense value, praying for greater accomplishments, good health, and continued success in her leadership journey.
Onyilo congratulated Ike on her birthday and wished her many more years of impactful service.
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COAS Salutes Troops’ Sacrifice, Hosts Special Sallah Luncheon in Edo
he Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, hosted a special Sallah luncheon for troops of the Forward Operations Base (FOB) Sobe in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State as part of activities marking the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Speaking at the event, the COAS reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving troop welfare and boosting morale through strategic initiatives. He urged the soldiers to remain resolute in their duty to defend the nation’s peace, unity, and territorial integrity.
Represented by the Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, the Army Chief commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism despite operating under challenging conditions. He noted that their sacrifices and dedication embody the true spirit of the Nigerian soldier.
“They serve in difficult and often demanding environments, far from the comfort of their homes, yet remain steadfast in loyalty and professionalism.
Their endurance, sacrifice, and courage represent the true spirit of the Nigerian soldier,” he said, while praying for their safety and success in ongoing operations.
The COAS also lauded the continued collaboration between the Nigerian Army and other security and intelligence agencies, describing inter-agency synergy as critical to sustaining operational success and national stability.
He further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the military, noting that the President’s leadership remains a strong source of motivation for the Armed Forces.
In his welcome address, the Commander, FOB Sobe, Lieutenant Colonel Stanley Agboro, described the COAS luncheon as a significant annual tradition held during major festive periods, including Eid-el-Fitr, Eid-el-Kabir, Easter, and Christmas.
He said the initiative is aimed at boosting troop morale, recognising their sacrifices, honouring fallen heroes, and strengthening camaraderie within the ranks.
Agboro appreciated the Brigade Commander and his entourage for visiting the base to celebrate with the troops. He also acknowledged the presence of the Vice Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, Mr Dele Aleburu, who represented the council chairperson, Madam Joy Ohonyon, as well as the traditional ruler of Sobe, HRH Anthony Ero Aleburu I, and heads of other security agencies in the area.
The event featured a luncheon, cultural dance performances, comedy presentations, and morale-boosting songs by the troops.
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