Energy governance scholar Professor Josiah Danladi has praised the Bola Tinubu administration for what he described as meaningful progress in reforming Nigeria’s oil and gas upstream sector, noting that policies under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) have strengthened transparency, accountability, and revenue generation.

Speaking at the Citizens Connect Conference in Lagos, Danladi said the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), led by Gbenga Komolafe, has become one of the best-performing institutions under the current government.

He said improved monitoring and digital reporting systems had helped the Commission generate more than ₦12 trillion in revenue for the federation within two years, adding that “the results show what happens when political will meets professional execution.”

Danladi linked the positive developments to broader policy reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, which he said had freed up funds for national development and increased allocations to state and local governments.

He also noted progress in the Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme, describing it as a step towards sustainable energy transition and job creation.

Discussing the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs), Danladi said over ₦350 billion had been channelled into community projects across oil-producing areas, including healthcare, roads, and education.

“The Petroleum Industry Act redefined the relationship between government, industry, and host communities. For the first time, communities are partners in progress,” he said.

According to the scholar, new transparency measures, including electronic production tracking and royalty monitoring, have improved Nigeria’s standing among international investors.

He called for sustained policy focus to prevent reform fatigue. “Every reform is a journey, not an event. Nigeria must stay the course,” he said.