The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have agreed to strengthen their collaboration to improve regulatory efficiency and attract more investment into Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The agreement was reached during a meeting held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja.
At the meeting, both agencies decided to work more closely by nominating representatives who will jointly address regulatory challenges and ensure smoother operations across the sector.
As part of the renewed partnership, NUPRC and NMDPRA agreed to hold quarterly meetings. These meetings will help both regulators maintain strong communication, resolve emerging issues quickly, and support the overall growth of the industry.
Speaking during he meeting, The Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, stressed that cooperation between the two agencies is critical for the success of the oil and gas sector. She described the industry as a key driver of Nigeria’s economy and said both regulators play an enabling role in ensuring its steady growth.
News: Ukodhiko Drives Strong Lawmaking, ₦3.1bn Constituency Impact in Isoko – Egware
According to her, collaboration is necessary because the boundaries between upstream, midstream, and downstream operations often overlap.
Mrs. Eyesan described the meeting as a renewed commitment to work together for the benefit of the industry. She also requested NMDPRA’s support for the ongoing licensing round and invited the Authority’s leadership to the pre-bid conference scheduled for January 14, 2026, in Lagos. The licensing round will offer 50 oil and gas blocks and aims to boost investment and national reserves.
In his response, the Authority Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, emphasized that both agencies share common roots from the former Department of Petroleum Resources. He called for unity, noting that any disagreements should be resolved internally and peacefully.
The renewed partnership signals a strong commitment to effective regulation and long-term economic benefits for Nigeria.
