Uche Cecil Izuora
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has revealed how it is preparing ground to run the country’s aspiration that will help actualize the 2.5 million barrels a day oil (bopd) production by 2027.
Speaking at the 2025 National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) conference in Lagos on Thursday, on the topic, “Nigeria’s Energy Future and the
Role of NUPRC in Driving Upstream Oil and Gas Industry’s Rebound.” the Commission Chief Executive (CCE) Gbenga Komolafe, said that in efforts to achieve the expectations, the Commission has prioritized production optimization and recovery enhancement.
In addition, Komolafe, said that by reviewing field development
plans, supporting brownfield optimization and enabling the re-entry of shut-in wells, the NUPRC has facilitated renewed activity across mature assets.
Represented by head of the Commission’s office in Lagos, Paul Osu, the CCE, noted that these interventions are projected to deliver incremental volumes exceeding one million barrels of oil per day, a key milestone toward achieving the national production target of 2.5 million bopd by 2027.
He stated that a sustainable rebound also demands secure
infrastructure and credible measurement systems and the Commission has collaborated with security Agencies, private contractors and community stakeholders in implementing the Upstream Measurement Regulation and the Advance Cargo Declaration Regulation.
He disclosed that the result is a remarkable 90 per cent reduction in crude oil theft from over 102,000 barrels per day in 2021 to 9,600 barrels per day as of September 2025.
Equally transformative is the Agency’s work in host community development, through which by implementing the PIA’s Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) provisions, the Commission has successfully inaugurated over 90 Trusts across the Niger Delta, ensuring that development funds flow directly tocommunities.
This model not only secures local ownership, but also guarantees peace, stability and continuity in production, key pillars for sustained energy security.
He said, “The rebound we are witnessing in Nigeria’s upstream sector is not
by chance; it is the outcome of deliberate regulatory
design, anchored on transparency, efficiency and inclusiveness.
The Commission’s strategic vision aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic goals and global sustainability commitments.
“At the same time, we are advancing Nigeria’s gas agenda as part of the “Decade of Gas” and the nation’s energy transition pathway. Natural gas remains our most reliable transition fuel, a catalyst for
industrialization, power generation and clean energy substitution.” Komolafe noted.
He further said that by promoting gas monetization, flare
elimination and gas-based investments, the Commission is reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to a just and balanced energy transition.
He said the IEA projects that upstream investment will surpass $580 billion in 2025, marking a steady recovery from pandemic lows, adding that
while renewables will continue to grow, hydrocarbons will remain central to industrialization, particularly in emerging economies like Nigeria.
“Our task therefore, is to ensure that this production is done efficiently, transparently and sustainably, consistent with international best practice.” he assured.
Komolafe, said that as the country looks to the future, the Commission will continue to prioritize measures to sustain Nigeria’s upstream rebound, achieve 2.5 million BOPD by 2027, strengthen gas monetization, protect our energy infrastructure anduphold the principles of transparency, accountability and efficiency that define our regulatory mandate.