The African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF) convened its inaugural Executive Committee Meeting on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, with Chairman Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan urging continental petroleum regulators to move beyond isolated national efforts toward coordinated, unified action capable of shaping Africa's energy trajectory.
Eyesan, who also serves as Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), opened the virtual proceedings by positioning AFRIPERF as the unified institutional voice of Africa's petroleum sector. She called on member states to reaffirm their commitment to deepened collaboration and enhanced coordination as essential foundations for sustainable sector development.
"We represent the unified voice of Africa's petroleum regulatory institutions," Eyesan declared. "Our strength and credibility are anchored in our ability to act collectively, decisively, and with unwavering resolve."
The forum chair acknowledged the groundwork laid by her predecessor, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, and by contributing member states in establishing AFRIPERF's structural foundation. However, she stressed that the continent's energy challenges—including substantial investment gaps and escalating energy transition pressures—demand that regulators transcend both institutional and national boundaries.
"The challenges before us demand that we transcend institutional boundaries and act with unity of purpose, clarity of vision, and a shared determination to advance Africa's energy future," Eyesan stated.
She challenged member states to reposition themselves within AFRIPERF not as passive participants but as active drivers of change, emphasizing the need for cross-border initiatives, strengthened knowledge exchange, and strategic partnerships that enhance the forum's long-term relevance and impact.
Eyesan identified regulatory fragmentation as a primary barrier impeding investment flows and sector growth across African markets. She called for collaborative efforts toward harmonizing regulatory frameworks to create a more attractive and coherent investment environment.
"The future of Africa's energy sector depends on our ability to align, integrate and act with purpose," she concluded.