Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), has highlighted that over 180 trillion cubic feet of discovered natural gas in Africa remains untapped, largely due to fragmented markets and inconsistent fiscal and regulatory frameworks.
Speaking at the Nigerian International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja, Eyesan, represented by NUPRC’s Executive Commissioner Edu Inyang, called on African nations to align regulations and markets to attract investment and accelerate energy development. She stressed that inconsistent rules, not geological potential, are the main barrier to large-scale projects.
“Our voice must be one, our frameworks aligned, and our actions coordinated. Only then can we unlock the full transformative power of Africa’s resources,” Eyesan said.
She pointed out Africa’s vast natural and human resources, including 8% of global oil and gas reserves, nearly 30% of critical minerals, and a youthful population of over 1.5 billion, noting that coordinated policies and integrated infrastructure could drive industrialisation, regional value chains, energy security, and inclusive growth.
Eyesan also highlighted successful continental initiatives, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), regional power pools, and cross-border gas projects like the West African Gas Pipeline, as examples of how policy alignment can expand access to affordable energy.
She urged African regulators to strengthen the African Petroleum Regulators’ Forum (AFRIPERF), expand regional gas and electricity networks, adopt shared standards, and maintain a unified voice in global energy and climate discussions.
