Nigeria has taken the lead in reshaping Africa’s oil and gas governance as regulators from 16 countries convened in Accra, Ghana, to formally establish the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF).
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by Eniola Akinkuotu, Head, Media and Strategic Communications, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
According to the statement, the landmark charter signing ceremony, held on Thursday on the sidelines of the 31st Africa Oil Week, was chaired by the Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.
Regulators from eight countries—Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, and Togo—formally endorsed the charter, while seven others pledged to join following internal consultations. Other countries in attendance included Kenya, Mauritania, Benin, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, South Africa, and Morocco.
Senator Etang Williams, Chairman of the Nigerian Senate Committee on Upstream, also attended as an observer.
Speaking at the event, Komolafe, who doubles as the interim chairman of AFRIPERF, described the signing as a decisive step toward building a harmonised and sustainable petroleum industry across the continent.
Komolafe said as the world navigates complex transitions toward cleaner, more sustainable energy systems, Africa must ensure that its vast hydrocarbon resources are managed with innovation, responsibility and foresight.
He said, “From our initial announcement at the 8th SAIPEC, to our inauguration during the NOG 2024 event and the careful drafting of the AFRIPERF Charter, each milestone has brought us closer to this historic day.
“By activating our Executive Committee, Technical Committee and Secretariat, we are establishing the functional pillars that will drive AFRIPERF forward, ensuring that our shared vision is translated into measurable results with defined timelines and accountability.”
The Forum’s structure includes an Executive Committee to provide oversight, a Technical Committee to address thematic issues, and a Secretariat to coordinate activities.
According to its charter, AFRIPERF’s mission is to enhance cooperation among African petroleum regulators to ensure a safe, efficient, and sustainable petroleum industry. Its vision is to become the premier platform for knowledge-sharing, best practices, and regulatory excellence across the continent.
“AFRIPERF provides regulators with the mechanism to harmonise our policies, address shared challenges and ensure that our perspectives are not only heard but respected on the global stage,” the interim chairman added.
The Forum also aims to foster regulatory harmonisation, promote environmental protection, build capacity through training, and strengthen Africa’s collective voice on global petroleum issues.
Komolafe further proposed aligning AFRIPERF’s Annual General Meetings with Africa Oil Week to boost participation and visibility.
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