ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have agreed to deepen collaboration to strengthen regulatory efficiency and attract increased investment into Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The partnership is intended to simplify regulatory processes and support overall sector growth by ensuring a seamless framework that serves the interests of all stakeholders.
The renewed collaboration was sealed during a meeting held at the Commission’s corporate headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
In a press statement, Head of Media and Strategic Communication, Eniola Akinkuotu said that during the meeting, both the Commission and the Authority agreed to intensify cooperation by appointing representatives from each institution to identify and resolve regulatory concerns.
As part of efforts to reinforce the partnership, NUPRC and NMDPRA also agreed to hold quarterly meetings.
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According to the statement, the regular engagements are aimed at strengthening their working relationship and ensuring that regulatory challenges are addressed promptly.
The Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the two agencies, stressing that synergy is critical to the growth of the oil and gas industry.
She noted that the sector remains a key driver of the nation’s economy and described both agencies as facilitators of its sustainable development.
Mrs. Eyesan said, “Whether we are talking about the upstream, midstream or the downstream, we are enablers for the industry and without a doubt, we know that the industry is the heartbeat of the nation’s economy.
So, we are committed to ensuring that things work properly and the industry grows astronomically.
We cannot do that if we do not work together because, as we all know, sometimes there is no fine line between upstream, midstream and downstream.
And if we are not working together, then that becomes a problem. So, I believe that this will be the beginning of many more interactions.”
She described the meeting as evidence of a renewed commitment, noting that both agencies are “putting forces together to ensure that the industry grows.”
Mrs. Eyesan also requested the support of NMDPRA for the ongoing licensing round and invited the Authority Chief Executive to attend the pre-bid conference scheduled for January 14, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos.
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The licensing round, which features 50 oil and gas blocks, is expected to draw significant investments and help boost Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves.
In his remarks, the Authority Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, emphasized the shared origins of both agencies, describing them as spin-offs of the former Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR).
He underscored the need for stronger cooperation, stating, “We must improve this relationship between brother and sister agencies,” and added that any disagreements should be settled internally and amicably.
The partnership reflects a renewed commitment by NUPRC and NMDPRA to enhancing regulatory effectiveness and stimulating investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, with long-term benefits for the country’s economy.