The Pan-African Regulatory Excellence Forum (PAREF) has commended the appointment of Gbenga Komolafe, chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), as the interim chairman of the newly launched African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), describing it as a “fitting recognition of Nigeria’s reform leadership in the oil and gas sector”.
In a statement signed on Monday by its executive director, Dr Aisha Njoroge, PAREF said Komolafe’s emergence reflects Africa’s growing confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory reforms and its capacity to drive a new era of collaboration across the continent’s petroleum industry.
AFRIPERF, inaugurated during the Africa Oil Week in Accra, Ghana, on September 18, 2025, brings together petroleum regulators from 16 African countries, eight of which — including Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, Togo, and Somalia — have already signed the forum’s charter.
The body aims to harmonise oil and gas laws, standards, and compliance systems across Africa, addressing decades of policy fragmentation that have discouraged cross-border investment and weakened collective bargaining power in global markets.
PAREF described Komolafe’s appointment as “a vote of confidence in reform-driven leadership and Nigeria’s commitment to transparency and innovation”.
“The emergence of Gbenga Komolafe as interim chairman of AFRIPERF is a significant step for Africa’s energy governance. It validates Nigeria’s post-PIA reforms and offers a rare opportunity to convert the rhetoric of regional cooperation into measurable outcomes,” the statement read.
Dr Njoroge said the forum must demonstrate early credibility by focusing on harmonisation of gas measurement standards, emissions regulations, digital compliance systems, and transparent reporting templates for oil and gas production.
“The success of AFRIPERF will not depend on how many countries join, but on the quality of what it delivers. The continent cannot afford another bureaucratic platform. AFRIPERF must be a practical institution that strengthens efficiency, transparency, and environmental responsibility,” she said.
According to PAREF, Africa’s oil-producing nations currently operate under widely differing fiscal regimes, licensing procedures, and environmental standards; challenges that have limited intra-African trade and created inefficiencies in investment management.
The think tank said the establishment of AFRIPERF under Komolafe’s leadership presents an opportunity to address these gaps and position Africa as a more coordinated bloc in global energy diplomacy.
However, PAREF warned that the success of the initiative will depend on inclusivity and independence from political interference.
“Regulatory convergence should not become regulatory domination. Smaller or less-resourced countries must not be sidelined. Every member must have an equal voice in the decision-making process if the forum is to maintain legitimacy,” Njoroge cautioned.
She also raised concerns about capacity disparity among African regulators, noting that while some countries have digitised regulatory systems and robust data monitoring frameworks, others still rely on manual audits and outdated infrastructure.
“AFRIPERF must create mechanisms for shared learning and resource pooling. Without a plan for cross-border training and knowledge exchange, the forum may inadvertently deepen existing inequalities,” she added.
On financing, PAREF advised that the forum should adopt a transparent and sustainable funding model, avoiding overdependence on donor agencies.
“AFRIPERF’s independence is crucial. While partnerships with development institutions may help, Africa’s regulatory destiny must be defined by African priorities, not external agendas. Member states should fund the forum equitably and transparently,” the statement said.
Dr Njoroge said Komolafe’s track record at NUPRC — particularly his focus on data transparency, digital licensing, host community development, and anti-theft monitoring systems — makes him “uniquely qualified” to lead the continent’s regulatory convergence effort.
She added that Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) reforms of 2021 had already positioned the NUPRC as one of Africa’s most advanced energy regulators, providing a model that AFRIPERF could replicate.
“With Mr. Komolafe’s experience, Africa now has a chance to build a truly harmonised petroleum regulatory framework that supports energy transition, economic diversification, and shared prosperity,” she said.
The forum urged African governments to support AFRIPERF’s agenda and to “seize this moment to build a united front in global energy governance”.
“Africa must speak with one voice. Komolafe’s leadership offers the credibility, but the continent must now provide the political will,” Njoroge advised.
