Three policy analysts and energy-sector specialists have commended Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), after new data confirmed the commission generated N8.79 trillion for the Federation Account between January and October 2025.
FAAC records from the November 2025 meeting showed NUPRC remitted N873.10 billion in October, rising 17.67 per cent from September’s N741.99 billion. The increase was driven by tighter royalty enforcement, stronger data reconciliation and improved upstream monitoring. The documents also recorded over N1.02 trillion in Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Joint Venture and Production Sharing Contract royalty receivables, along with N835.69 billion linked to Project Gazelle.
The commission confirmed that, following presidential approval to clear inherited NNPC arrears as of 31 December 2024, it wrote off $1.42 billion and N5.57 trillion in legacy obligations. Despite progress, October remittances represented 72.47 per cent of the N1.204 trillion monthly budget, reflecting constraints from low output, infrastructure limits, crude theft and global price fluctuations.
NUPRC recorded improvements across several revenue streams, including N807.08 billion in oil and gas royalties, a 65 per cent rise in rental income, and gas flare penalties exceeding targets at 105.52 per cent.
Public affairs analyst and former National Assembly adviser Dr. Ifeanyi Okonkwo said the figures show a decisive shift in regulatory discipline. He noted that the commission is enforcing transparency, consistent reconciliation and closure of leakages once considered entrenched. He added that stable remittances amid volatile production indicate a regulator acting with authority.
Energy economist Dr. Hauwa Ibrahim said the performance signals structural stability in a difficult global oil year. She stated that firm compliance systems and predictable regulation are strengthening resilience across the upstream value chain.
Petroleum engineer Mike Osamudiamen described the clearance of inherited NNPC obligations as one of the year’s most significant interventions. He said resolving long-standing accounting issues restores credibility for government planning, investors and auditors. He added that sustained gains will depend on continuous monitoring, accurate measurement and strict royalty compliance.
The experts agreed that NUPRC’s results reflect an increasingly assertive regulator aligned with the Petroleum Industry Act, with Komolafe’s leadership central to the revenue turnaround.
