The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has welcomed the recent reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory framework, describing them as timely and capable of repositioning the sector for improved performance and global competitiveness.
Speaking at a press conference, the apex Niger Delta socio-political body expressed appreciation for the appointment of Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), describing the decision as “putting a square peg in a square hole.”
PANDEF commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it termed a merit-based choice.
PANDEF noted that Mrs. Eyesan, a seasoned economist, brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as Executive Vice President (Upstream) at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
According to the group, her track record of diligence and excellence positions her to drive impactful reforms in the upstream segment of the industry.
The forum also lauded the appointment of Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, expressing confidence that the dual leadership changes would accelerate growth and efficiency across the oil and gas value chain.
While welcoming the reforms, PANDEF urged the Federal Government to sustain the momentum and ensure that the industry continues to play its pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic development. The group further called for greater inclusion of qualified professionals from the Niger Delta in top positions within the NNPC and the wider oil and gas industry, noting that the region has produced a large pool of experienced sector experts.
PANDEF also renewed its call for comprehensive environmental remediation of the Niger Delta, stressing that efforts must go beyond the Ogoni clean-up. It advocated annual budgetary provisions to address environmental degradation across the region in a sustained and systematic manner.
Additionally, the forum urged the Federal Government to revive plans for a Modular Refinery Development Fund, first proposed in 2018, to encourage the establishment of modular refineries in the Niger Delta. According to PANDEF, such initiatives would enhance host community participation in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), stimulate local economic activities, and promote long-term stability in the sector.
Concluding, PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with federal and state governments to mobilise host communities and ensure a conducive environment for the oil and gas sector to continue contributing meaningfully to national development.
The statement was jointly signed by PANDEF’s National Chairman, Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, and the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini.
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