Nigeria has officially taken a leading role in reshaping Africa’s energy landscape with the formal establishment of the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), a bold initiative aimed at streamlining oil and gas regulations across the continent.
The historic signing of the AFRIPERF Charter took place on Thursday during the Africa Oil Week (AOW), hosted in Accra, Ghana, marking a significant milestone in efforts to foster unity, collaboration, and innovation within Africa’s hydrocarbon sector.
The event was presided over by Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), who also spearheaded the initial proposal for the forum.
Regulators from 16 African nations were in attendance, including representatives from Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, Togo, Kenya, Mauritania, Benin, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, South Africa, and Morocco.
Out of these, eight countries Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, and Togo officially signed the AFRIPERF Charter. The remaining nations expressed support and pledged to finalize their membership following internal consultations.
Also present at the event was Senator Etang Williams, Chairman of Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Upstream Petroleum, who attended as an observer.
The establishment of AFRIPERF follows a journey that began in 2023 with Komolafe’s proposal, later gaining momentum through meetings in July and November 2024, and culminating in the fourth meeting held in Accra.
“This charter marks a turning point for Africa’s energy regulatory framework,” Komolafe said during the ceremony. “As the global focus shifts towards sustainable energy, Africa must strategically manage its vast hydrocarbon resources with foresight and innovation.”
He emphasized that the formation of key committees within AFRIPERF Executive, Technical, and Secretariat will ensure the forum operates with clear direction and accountability.
New Committees to Drive AFRIPERF Agenda
- Executive Committee: Comprised of heads of petroleum regulatory agencies from member states, this committee will provide strategic oversight.
- Technical Committee: To be activated as needed, it will tackle specific policy and technical issues, drawing on expertise from member countries and external partners.
- Secretariat Committee: Handles coordination and administration, with members nominated by countries and confirmed by the Executive Committee.
Forum Objectives and Future Plans
According to Article 3 of the charter, AFRIPERF is designed to:
- Promote regulatory collaboration across African oil and gas sectors
- Harmonise petroleum regulations while prioritizing safety and environmental protection
- Enhance knowledge sharing, capacity building, and industry partnerships
- Facilitate technology transfer, transparency, and ethical governance
- Encourage investment and support Africa’s transition to cleaner energy and reduced emissions
Looking ahead, AFRIPERF will initiate the process of selecting its Chairperson, national representatives, and headquarters location.
Komolafe concluded by praising the collaborative spirit among participating countries and called for continued engagement with platforms like Africa Oil Week to ensure the forum delivers tangible benefits for the continent.
“AFRIPERF gives Africa’s regulators a united voice, one that can shape global discourse on energy policy while safeguarding the continent’s best interests,” he said.
