Nigerians in Diaspora Groups have applauded President Bola Tinubu and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, for spearheading what they describe as far-reaching reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

In a statement issued on Monday, the organisation’s Global President, David Matthew Akpambu, praised the 2024 Oil Block Licensing Round, noting that it adhered strictly to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the commission’s operational guidelines.

The group hailed the process as a landmark achievement in the country’s efforts to sanitise the oil industry, long plagued by allegations of corruption and inefficiency. They particularly lauded the digitalisation of the bidding exercise, which they said set a new benchmark for transparency and accountability.

“For the first time in Nigeria’s history, the oil and gas sector witnessed a fully digital and point-based commercial bid evaluation,” the group said in the statement. “This approach ensured a fair and competitive allocation of assets, with encryption technology safeguarding the integrity of sensitive data.”

Describing the licensing round as a sharp departure from previous opaque methods, the diaspora group credited both President Tinubu’s administration and Komolafe’s leadership with restoring credibility to the system.

They also commended the rigorous prequalification process, which required applicants to meet strict technical and financial benchmarks. This, they said, was crucial in protecting Nigeria’s strategic resources from exploitation by unqualified or inexperienced firms.

The group noted that the commercial bid phase, broadcast live to the public, involved observers from agencies such as the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the Federal Ministry of Finance—ensuring full accountability.

“This is what transparency looks like,” the statement said. “With instant bid results and the exclusion of manual interference, Nigerians could see, in real time, how winners were selected.”

The group further highlighted the inclusion of both established players and credible new entrants, describing the framework as one that encouraged healthy competition and opened doors for legitimate investment.

Reflecting on Komolafe’s tenure since assuming office, the statement noted that the NUPRC boss had kept his promise to transform the commission into a 21st-century regulatory body. The group said Komolafe had positioned Nigeria as home to Africa’s leading upstream regulator, a claim they said had been validated by participants at global energy summits.

They concluded by urging other government institutions to adopt similar digital reforms, arguing that such measures are essential to improving service delivery, boosting investor confidence, and driving economic growth.