Nigeria has taken the lead in Africa’s oil and gas sector by spearheading the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF).

According to a statement by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the landmark charter was signed on Thursday, during the Africa Oil Week (AOW) in Accra, Ghana.

The ceremony was chaired by the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe.

Regulators from 16 African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea and Togo, attended the event.

According to the statement signed by NUPRC’s Head, Media and Strategic Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, other countries represented were Kenya, Mauritania, Benin, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, South Africa and Morocco.

Senator Etang Williams, Chairman of Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Upstream, also attended the ceremony as an observer.

Eight Countries Sign Charter

At the ceremony, eight countries formally endorsed the AFRIPERF Charter while seven pledged future membership after consultations.

The signatories include Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea and Togo.

The signing climaxed a proposal first introduced last year by Engineer Komolafe, who championed the creation of AFRIPERF.

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The Forum had held its inaugural meeting in July 2024, followed by a second in November, paving the way for Thursday’s breakthrough.

Speaking at the signing, Komolafe described the forum’s 4th meeting and charter signing as a decisive continental milestone.

“As the world moves towards sustainable energy, Africa must manage its hydrocarbon resources with innovation and foresight,” he said.

He added: “From our initial announcement at the 8th SAIPEC to today’s charter, each milestone brought us closer to this historic day.”

“By activating our Executive, Technical and Secretariat Committees, we are establishing pillars to drive AFRIPERF forward with accountability.”

Committees To Guide Implementation

The Executive Committee will serve as the principal oversight body, comprising heads of Africa’s petroleum regulatory agencies.

The Technical Committee will be activated when needed to address thematic priorities, drawing experts from member countries and partners.

The Secretariat Committee will comprise member countries, with nominations ratified by the Executive Committee.

“AFRIPERF provides regulators the mechanism to harmonise policies, address challenges and ensure Africa’s voice is respected globally,” Komolafe added.

He commended regulators and stakeholders for their contributions and urged stronger partnerships with Africa Oil Week for future engagements.

According to Article 3, the forum seeks to foster collaboration, harmonise regulations, uphold safety and protect the environment.

It also aims to enhance regulatory capacity through training, experience sharing and engagement with industry stakeholders and global organisations.

The Forum further targets knowledge transfer, investment promotion, transparency, ethical practices, renewable integration, and emission reduction in petroleum operations.

Following the signing, AFRIPERF will call for nominations for its Chairperson, country representatives and headquarters designation.