The Chairman of the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, has outlined a clear vision for Africa’s petroleum regulators, focused on unity, stronger institutions and collaboration as key drivers of the continent’s energy future.
Eyesan, who is also the Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), set the agenda at her maiden Executive Committee Meeting of AFRIPERF held virtually on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
She argued that Africa’s energy future will be determined not by individual country efforts, but by coordinated and collective regulatory action.
“We represent the unified voice of Africa’s petroleum regulatory institutions. We must reaffirm our collective commitment to deepened collaboration, enhanced coordination and the sustainable development of Africa’s energy sector,” she declared.
While acknowledging the role of her predecessor, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe; and member states in laying a solid foundation for AFRIPERF, Eyesan noted that Africa’s energy challenges, ranging from investment gaps to energy transition pressures, require regulators to transcend institutional and national boundaries.
The AFRIPERF chairman said, “The challenges before us demand that we transcend institutional boundaries and act with unity of purpose, clarity of vision, and a shared determination to advance Africa’s energy future.
“Our strength and credibility are anchored in our ability to act collectively, decisively, and with unwavering resolve.”
Eyesan challenged member states to rethink their roles within AFRIPERF, not as passive participants, but as active drivers of change.
“I urge each member states not merely to participate, but to lead. We must lead by driving cross-border initiatives, strengthening knowledge exchange, and cultivating strategic partnerships that elevate the relevance and long-term impact of this Forum,” Eyesan said.
She underscored the need for harmonised regulatory frameworks across African markets, noting that fragmentation remains a key barrier to investment and sector growth.
“We must work collaboratively toward harmonising regulatory frameworks and advancing sustainable development across the African continent. The future of Africa’s energy sector depends on our ability to align, integrate and act with purpose,” she concluded.
Eniola Akinkuotu
Head, Corporate Communications and Media