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As Komolafe Is Crafting Nigeria’s Oil Renaissance With Visionary Finesse

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As Komolafe Is Crafting Nigeria's Oil Renaissance With Visionary Finesse By Sharon Iwodi

As Komolafe Is Crafting Nigeria’s Oil Renaissance With Visionary Finesse

By Sharon Iwodi

Engr. Gbenga Olu Komolafe’s appointment as the pioneer Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in October 2021 was met with widespread approval, proof of his distinguished career marked by professionalism and innovation. His ascent to this pivotal role was no fluke, built on a foundation of exemplary service in various capacities, including General Manager, Special Duties, Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division, and Executive Director (Commercial) at the Pipeline and Petroleum Marketing Company (PPMC).

Komolafe’s track record of transformative leadership in these roles positioned him as the ideal candidate to steer Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector into a new era. He’s brought a multidisciplinary expertise to the NUPRC, holding two master’s degrees from the University of Ibadan in Industrial and Production Engineering and Industrial and Labour Relations, alongside a master’s in Social Sciences and a degree in Law from the University of Warwick. This diverse academic background, complemented by his extensive industry experience, has enabled him to navigate complex challenges with remarkable adaptability, making him a dynamic leader capable of driving systemic change in a sector critical to Nigeria’s economy.

Upon assuming office, shortly after the landmark Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021, Komolafe faced the formidable task of establishing the NUPRC as a robust regulatory body. This required a complete paradigm shift from the discretionary and loosely governed practices of the past. Under his leadership, the NUPRC has undergone sweeping reforms, positioning Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector as a model of regulatory excellence.

Komolafe’s tenure is credited with upholding industry laws, institutionalising transparency, and ensuring regulatory clarity, earning the commission accolades as a leading regulator in Africa. Leveraging his engineering acumen and legal expertise, Komolafe has not only applied technical solutions but also ensured the PIA’s legal framework is effectively implemented to achieve the commission’s mandate.

His vision has redefined the NUPRC’s mission, introducing 21st-century regulatory standards through a comprehensive overhaul of internal processes. This has cultivated a culture of accountability and efficiency across the commission’s operations. A cornerstone of his leadership is consistent stakeholder engagement, with transparency as a non-negotiable principle. Unlike the opaque practices of the past, Komolafe’s NUPRC insists on openness, fairness, and inclusivity in all industry dealings.

Despite inheriting the staff and entrenched institutional culture of the defunct Department of Petroleum Resources, Komolafe has introduced groundbreaking innovations that have reshaped the upstream sector. One of his flagship achievements is the implementation of electronic tracking for petroleum product distribution across Nigeria, enhancing oversight and curbing inefficiencies.

Additionally, his leadership addressed a critical gap in the industry by establishing structural engineering assessment facilities, a long-overdue function that has bolstered safety and compliance. Two standout reforms—the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Measurement Regulations and the Advanced Cargo Declaration Regulation—have revolutionised the sector. These policies have digitised and streamlined cargo loading and discharge processes, from terminals to receiving ports, significantly improving transparency and traceability.

By addressing longstanding gaps in monitoring and accountability, these regulations have curtailed excesses and restored confidence in the industry, making it more predictable and attractive to investors. Komolafe’s commitment to honesty and integrity has been a driving force behind these reforms, fostering an environment that supports businesses and attracts foreign investment. His efforts have stabilised Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry, creating a predictable framework that encourages sustainable growth.

Industry stakeholders have praised his ability to balance regulatory rigour with economic enablement, positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in global energy markets. Known for his humility and unassuming lifestyle, Komolafe shuns the spotlight, letting the results of his work speak for themselves. His ingenuity and dedication are legendary among industry watchers, yet he remains grounded, a trait that endears him to colleagues and stakeholders alike.

Beyond his professional achievements, Komolafe’s personal investment in community development is evident in initiatives like skills training programs for youth and support for local businesses in his home state, further amplifying his impact. Engr. Gbenga Olu Komolafe’s legacy at the NUPRC is one of reforms, not rhetoric. His transformative leadership has not only elevated the upstream petroleum sector but also set a benchmark for regulatory excellence in Africa.

As Nigeria continues to reap the benefits of his vision, Komolafe’s contributions will resonate for years, cementing his place as a trailblazer in the nation’s energy landscape.

Iwodi is a public affairs analyst based in London.

As Komolafe Is Crafting Nigeria's Oil Renaissance With Visionary Finesse

By Sharon Iwodi

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RAMADAN CHARITY: TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION AND UFAM HOLDINGS LTD EXTEND FOOD RELIEF TO MANDO COMMUNITY

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*RAMADAN CHARITY: TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION AND UFAM HOLDINGS LTD EXTEND FOOD RELIEF TO MANDO COMMUNITY*

 

 

 

In a remarkable display of compassion and community support, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, in collaboration with UFAM Holdings Ltd, successfully distributed food relief to over 1,000 less privileged individuals in the Mando community, Afaka, Igabi, Kaduna State, as part of the Ramadan celebrations.

 

The initiative, aimed at alleviating hunger during this sacred month, saw community members receiving essential food items to ensure they can observe Ramadan with dignity and sustenance. The distribution took place at the Skill Acquisition Centre, where beneficiaries gathered to collect their food packages.

 

During the event, the Deputy Chief Imam of Mando Central Mosque, Sheikh Bashir Adam Saleh Algoni, expressed his gratitude for the philanthropic effort. “We appreciate this gesture immensely,” he stated. He urged the public to keep the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai, in their prayers, acknowledging his ongoing commitment to helping the less privileged. He also highlighted the contributions of UFAM Holdings Ltd, urging support for their charitable endeavors.

 

Beneficiaries of the food relief expressed their profound gratitude, offering prayers for Allah’s blessings on both the foundation and the company for their generous assistance during this holy month.

 

In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, His Excellency Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR Rtd, former Chief of Army Staff and Grand Patron of the Foundation, who was represented by Col Haruna Idris Zaria Rtd, thanked the public for their continuous prayers. He emphasized the importance of using the month of Ramadan to pray for the betterment of the country and an end to the insecurity plaguing the nation. He also urged the community to support and pray for security agencies, recognizing their sacrifices in maintaining peace and safety.

 

This charitable initiative not only highlights the spirit of Ramadan but also reinforces the importance of community solidarity and mutual support during challenging times.

RAMADAN CHARITY: TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION AND UFAM HOLDINGS LTD EXTEND FOOD RELIEF TO MANDO COMMUNITY*

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Obi’s Reform Agenda Rekindles Scrutiny of Nigeria’s Political Wealth

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Obi’s Reform Agenda Rekindles Scrutiny of Nigeria’s Political Wealth

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG

“Momodu’s remarks spotlight elite affluence as analysts warn of resistance to cost-cutting reforms.”

Prominent publisher and politician Dele Momodu has reignited debate over the vast wealth attributed to sections of Nigeria’s political class, asserting publicly that certain politicians could raise as much as $500 million at short notice to secure presidential power. Though no names were mentioned, the claim has sharpened national conversations about transparency, accountability, and the true cost of governance.

Nigeria’s persistent struggle with corruption is well documented by bodies such as Transparency International, whose global assessments frequently rank the country low on public sector integrity. The optics of expansive private mansions, luxury assets, and foreign-based lifestyles among political families continue to fuel public suspicion, particularly in a nation grappling with inflation, debt pressures, and widespread poverty.

The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of reform advocacy by Peter Obi, who has consistently argued for cutting governance costs and institutionalizing fiscal discipline. Political economist Professor Pat Utomi maintains that entrenched elites often resist structural reform, describing elite capture as a systemic barrier to democratic accountability. Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has similarly warned that democracy without transparency breeds cynicism and instability.

While no specific officeholders have been formally indicted in connection with Momodu’s remarks, the broader issue remains potent: public demand for principled leadership is rising, and scrutiny of political wealth is unlikely to fade as future elections approach.

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Obi Would Defeat Even Jesus at the Polls”: Viral Remark Sparks Political Debate Online

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Obi Would Defeat Even Jesus at the Polls”: Viral Remark Sparks Political Debate Online

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

A viral statement by a prominent supporter of former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has ignited widespread reactions across Nigeria’s political landscape. The supporter, popularly known as Mama Pee, declared during a live social media broadcast earlier this week that “If Jesus comes down to contest in Nigeria, Obi go win am,” a remark intended to emphasize Obi’s perceived popularity among his core supporters.

 

The comment, which surfaced on X and Facebook, quickly generated sharp responses from supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). While many Labour Party loyalists defended the statement as political exaggeration, critics described it as reflective of growing personality-driven politics.

 

Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and placed third according to official results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, has not issued any public response to the remark.

 

The episode underscores the continued intensity of political engagement following the 2023 general elections, with online discourse increasingly shaping narratives around Nigeria’s evolving democratic space.

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