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Nigeria’s oil rigs soared from eight to 69 in four years – NUPRC boss
The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, says Nigeria’s upstream oil sector has witnessed a great turn around in the last four years.
This is as he noted that the country’s active rig count soared from eight in 2021 to 69 as of October 2025.
A statement on Saturday also noted that Komolafe has been recognised for his leadership in advancing reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), following a notable surge in the country’s upstream oil sector.
“Engineer Gbenga Komolafe has bagged a professional doctorate in leadership (Energy Law) from the International Business School of Scandinavia.
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“Engineer Komolafe was also honoured with the Global Sustainable Leadership Award at the Global Sustainable Education and Leadership (G-SEL) Conference 2025, held at the House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, United Kingdom,” it read.
The two-day event, which ran from November 6–7, drew senior policymakers, business leaders, and diplomats from across the world.
Since assuming office, Komolafe has been instrumental in “deepening Nigeria’s upstream regulatory transformation.”
Under his watch, the country’s a”ctive rig count surged from just eight in 2021 to over 40, “while the “total number of rigs stands at 69 as of October 2025.”
Revenue performance has also consistently exceeded government targets, with the Commission achieving surpluses of “18.3 per cent in 2022, 14.6 per cent in 2023, and an impressive 84.2 per cent in 2024.”
Beyond fiscal success, the NUPRC has achieved major milestones in “host community development and indigenous participation.”
According to the statement, the “Host Community Development Trust has risen to over N350bn,” part of which has been used to implement projects and contributed to the restoration of peace in previously volatile communities.
In his acceptance speech, Komolafe dedicated the award to Nigerians: “This award belongs to Nigeria. It recognises the courage and faith that drive our reforms in the upstream oil and gas sector.
“We are building a transparent, accountable, and investment-friendly system that reflects our national values and global aspirations.”
He also highlighted the NUPRC’s strategic priorities.
“Komolafe noted that the NUPRC’s strategy is anchored on three priorities — transparency, competitiveness, and sustainability — with an emphasis on maximising the value of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources while advancing the energy transition,” the NUPRC boss noted.
On the broader impact of his leadership, he added: “We are not only regulating production.
“We are shaping the future of energy in Africa by ensuring that Nigeria remains a reliable supplier, a fair regulator, and a responsible global partner.”
The G-SEL London Conference, themed ‘The intersection of innovation, sustainability and equity for energy access’, provided a platform for global dialogue on the future of energy, education, and inclusive growth.
The release concluded that other recipients of the Global Sustainable Leadership Award included Angela Wilkinson, Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council; Jason Jackson, Mayor of Islington, London; Riad Meddeb, Director of Sustainable Energy at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Ben Parsons, Partner at Oakin Energy Transition Strategy, United Kingdom; Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka, Zambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom; Seema Malhotra FRSA, Member of Parliament for Feltham and Heston and Minister at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; and Joel Singh, Director at General Electric Company, United Kingdom.
The award was also presented to Hon. Dr. Toreria Moyo, Minister of Primary and Secondary Education of Zimbabwe; Mr. Alex Wachira, Principal Secretary at Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum; and H.E. Dr. Morie K. Manyeh, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, recognising leaders committed to sustainable growth, inclusive governance, and energy transition across Africa and beyond.
