FG Nominates Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as Next NUPRC Boss

FG Nominates Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as Next NUPRC Boss

In a decisive move to stabilize the nation’s energy regulatory framework, the FG Nominates Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC. The announcement, which came directly from the Presidency on Wednesday, marks a significant shift in the leadership of the upstream sector following the sudden resignation of the former commission head, Gbenga Komolafe. President Bola Tinubu has already formally approached the Senate, requesting an expedited confirmation process to ensure that there is no leadership vacuum in a sector currently grappling with production challenges and a need for renewed investor confidence.

The selection of Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan is widely seen as a merit based appointment, as she brings over 33 years of deep institutional knowledge from her tenure at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL. Industry experts believe her nomination is a strategic response to the recent turbulence in the petroleum sector, providing a steady and technically proficient hand to oversee the technical and commercial regulation of Nigeria’s massive oil and gas reserves. If confirmed, she will be the first woman to lead the commission since its creation under the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA.

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Her arrival at the helm of the NUPRC coincides with a broader federal cleanup of the regulatory space. Her predecessor, Gbenga Komolafe, along with the former head of the midstream regulator, Farouk Ahmed, exited their roles amidst a high profile petition from industrialist Aliko Dangote. As the commission prepares for a transition, stakeholders are optimistic that Eyesan’s background in strategic planning and commercial negotiations will accelerate the implementation of field development plans and enhance the transparency of licensing rounds across the upstream value chain.

20 Things To Know About Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan

1. Her full name is Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan, though she is affectionately known in the industry as Meeyi.
2. She is a veteran energy professional with a career spanning over 33 years in the Nigerian petroleum sector.
3. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Benin.
4. She is an alumna of the Federal Government College, Warri, where she completed her secondary education.
5. Her professional journey at the NNPC began in 1992 when she was employed as a Material Traffic Officer.
6. She rose through the ranks of the national oil company, holding more than ten different specialized positions.
7. She served as the first ever female Executive Vice President, Upstream, at the NNPCL.
8. Between 2019 and 2022, she was the Group General Manager of Corporate Planning and Strategy.
9. She was a central figure in the technical and fiscal deliberations that led to the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA.
10. She is credited with midwifing the first ever Non Associated Gas, NAG, commercialization initiative in Nigeria.
11. Under her leadership, the NNPCL achieved the record time renewal of deep water Production Sharing Contracts, PSCs.
12. These PSC renewals are estimated to have unlocked over $10 billion in potential eco friendly investments.
13. She spearheaded the strategic acquisition of equity in major refineries, including the Dangote and Azikel projects.
14. She is a prominent member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Strategic Management Society.
15. She has participated in executive leadership programs at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
16. She is a vocal advocate for a just energy transition that prioritizes African development alongside environmental goals.
17. She has represented Nigeria at major global energy forums, including CERAWeek and the World Gas Conference.
18. She is an ethnic Itsekiri from Delta State, and her nomination has been celebrated as a win for regional inclusion.
19. She is known for her conflict resolution skills, which helped reduce asset vandalism in parts of the Niger Delta.
20. Her appointment makes her the first woman nominated to lead the NUPRC in Nigeria’s history.