The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has been named the country’s most transparent government agency by the West Africa-based organisation, Public Space Tracker, which praised the leadership of NUPRC Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the organisation commended the Commission for cultivating a culture of openness, policy innovation, and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
It highlighted the Commission’s consistent publication of industry data on production levels, licensing, royalties, and remittances since Komolafe’s appointment, noting that these practices have restored confidence among investors and civil society.
Public Space Tracker described the NUPRC as a model for how regulatory bodies should function in a democracy, citing the Commission’s regular engagement with communities and industry operators, strict compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act, and strengthened oversight of crude oil production.
The organisation said these measures have improved transparency in a sector historically characterised by secrecy, while also contributing to increased state revenues.
The group also acknowledged NUPRC’s efforts to tackle oil theft and implement real-time monitoring of production, noting that these initiatives have led to improvements in output.
It further highlighted the Commission’s interactions with host communities as evidence of a people-centred approach to resource governance.
According to Public Space Tracker, NUPRC’s openness has enhanced Nigeria’s global image in extractive management and created a clearer, more predictable environment for investors.
The organisation encouraged other government agencies to adopt similar practices, emphasising that transparency and accountability are essential to rebuilding public trust in institutions.
“Under Komolafe’s stewardship, NUPRC is expected to continue deepening reforms, strengthening the nation’s fiscal base, and advancing Nigeria’s transition toward a more accountable resource economy,” the statement said.
The recognition adds to a series of acknowledgements for NUPRC’s regulatory initiatives, reinforcing its role in promoting accountability, industry compliance, and sustainable management of Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.
