society
Matters Arising as Nigeria’s Komolafe Leads AFRIPERF
Matters Arising as Nigeria’s Komolafe Leads AFRIPERF
By Moses Dan
When Gbenga Komolafe, chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), assumed the role of interim chairman of the newly launched African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), many across the continent’s oil and gas sector hailed it as a watershed moment. His elevation was not just a personal milestone but a recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in shaping the governance of Africa’s energy future. Yet, even as praise pours in, questions linger about capacity, politics, and the sustainability of the project.
The launch and charter-signing of AFRIPERF took place on September 18, 2025, during Africa Oil Week in Accra, Ghana. Sixteen African countries participated, and eight of them — including Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, and Togo — formally endorsed the AFRIPERF Charter. Seven others pledged to join after domestic consultations. Komolafe was unanimously selected as interim chairman, a role that effectively positions Nigeria at the forefront of continental oil and gas regulation.
The forum’s objective is ambitious but urgent: to harmonise petroleum laws, standards, and regulatory practices across Africa. Over the decades, differences in national legislation, fiscal regimes, and licensing procedures have discouraged cross-border investments and weakened collective bargaining power. AFRIPERF is conceived to bridge those divides by creating a platform for knowledge exchange, peer review, and regional cooperation.
According to its charter, AFRIPERF will operate through an Executive Committee of national regulators, a Technical Committee of industry experts, and a rotating Secretariat to coordinate activities among member states. The framework builds on Nigeria’s earlier leadership in regulatory reform under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021.
Komolafe, who first proposed the idea of a continental regulatory network in 2023, has long argued that Africa must “own its resources with efficiency and integrity” rather than compete in isolation. The Abuja Declaration, introduced during Nigeria Oil and Gas Week in 2024, laid the philosophical foundation for AFRIPERF — emphasising transparency, environmental responsibility, and collaboration. The Accra meeting in 2025 marked the institutional birth of that vision.
The symbolism is significant. Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most experienced hydrocarbon producers, and its reform-driven regulatory commission has been widely seen as a model of post-PIA transformation. Komolafe’s emergence as the forum’s interim head therefore reinforces the view that Nigeria can export regulatory expertise in addition to crude oil.
*Nigeria’s Reformist Reputation Meets Continental Expectations*
Komolafe’s tenure at NUPRC offers clues about what to expect from his new continental assignment. Since assuming office, he has pushed reforms to digitise upstream licensing, streamline approvals, strengthen host community engagement, and curb oil theft through tighter metering systems. Under his leadership, the Commission has prioritised data transparency, community participation, and gas monetisation — themes that resonate with AFRIPERF’s founding principles.
But moving from national regulation to continental coordination is an entirely different challenge. Africa’s oil-producing nations operate under vastly different fiscal models, political pressures, and institutional capacities. Some have mature frameworks with digital monitoring systems; others still rely on paper records and manual audits. Aligning these disparities will test both Komolafe’s diplomatic skill and the credibility of the new forum.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Pan-African Regulatory Excellence Forum (PAREF), an industry think tank, commended Komolafe’s appointment as “a fitting recognition of Nigeria’s reform trajectory and the strength of his leadership.” The statement, signed by its executive director, Dr Aisha Njoroge, described the AFRIPERF chairmanship as “an opportunity to turn the rhetoric of regional cooperation into measurable results”.
According to her, “The success of AFRIPERF will depend not on the size of its membership but on the quality of its deliverables. It must demonstrate practical value by harmonising gas measurement standards, emissions regulations, and digital compliance systems. Otherwise, it risks becoming another talk shop”.
Dr Njoroge urged the interim chair to prioritise inclusivity and transparency in early decisions, ensuring that smaller or less-resourced countries are not marginalised. “Regulatory convergence should not become regulatory domination,” she added.
Beyond institutional design, several issues now dominate the agenda. The first is capacity disparity. Many African regulators lack technical manpower, laboratory infrastructure, and stable funding. Without a plan for shared resources or training exchanges, the forum could reinforce existing inequalities. The second is the question of authority. AFRIPERF’s recommendations are currently advisory, not binding, which may limit their impact unless member states voluntarily adopt harmonised frameworks.
Another pressing challenge is financing. Sustaining the forum will require predictable revenue — either through member dues, donor partnerships, or cost-sharing arrangements. Overreliance on external funding, especially from Western partners with decarbonisation agendas, could tilt priorities away from Africa’s own developmental needs.
There is also the matter of political independence. Regulators in several countries remain vulnerable to executive interference, particularly during licensing rounds and fiscal negotiations. Komolafe’s reputation for professionalism and non-partisanship at NUPRC will be critical in keeping AFRIPERF free from political capture.
*The Road Ahead for Africa’s Energy Governance*
Meanwhile, energy transition pressures loom large. Global investment in fossil fuels is tightening amid climate-related restrictions, yet Africa still relies on hydrocarbons for more than 70 per cent of government revenue in producing countries. AFRIPERF will need to navigate this paradox — promoting efficiency and environmental stewardship while defending the continent’s right to exploit its resources responsibly.
For Komolafe, the ultimate test will be turning vision into execution. The first set of deliverables expected from AFRIPERF include harmonised reporting templates for production data, a regional petroleum data repository, and shared capacity-building programmes for regulatory staff. Progress on these fronts will determine whether the forum becomes a genuine platform for transformation or fades into the background of African bureaucracy.
In his remarks at the Accra signing ceremony, Komolafe was clear about his priorities. “This is not just about creating another institution,” he said. “It is about aligning Africa’s regulatory systems with the demands of a new global energy order — one that rewards transparency, innovation, and sustainability.” He pledged that under his leadership, the forum would set measurable goals and enforce accountability through peer review.
Nigeria’s oil reforms have already strengthened its domestic regulatory identity. If Komolafe can translate that momentum into continental cooperation, AFRIPERF could become a defining institution for Africa’s late-oil era — a forum that speaks with one voice in global energy diplomacy while setting common rules for its own internal market.
But ambition alone will not suffice. The forum’s success depends on political will across capitals, not just the competence of its chairman. Africa has seen many grand alliances fade for lack of sustained follow-through. As one senior industry observer put it, “Komolafe’s leadership gives AFRIPERF credibility; now it must earn legitimacy.”
The months ahead will reveal whether Nigeria’s stewardship can turn this continental experiment into a lasting framework for energy governance. For now, the mood within the sector is one of cautious optimism — and a growing sense that, at least this time, Africa’s regulators might finally be speaking the same language.
Dan is an oil and gas expert writing from Port Harcourt.
STILL ON DELE MOMODU by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode
I saw Dele Momodu’s response to my article on him & was amused.
I tried to be polite & restrained in that write up & I didn’t realise that it would hurt him so deeply. Yet for that I offer no apology.
I said he sounded tired & worne in his interview with Seun Okinbaloye but from his response today it is clear that he is now completely unhinged.
He has blown his gasket & his reaction is rooted more in emotion than it is in logic.
Frankly I feel sorry for him because it is clear that he is fighting a lost cause, he is badly diminished & he is now a shadow of his former self.
For Bobby Dee the glory days are certainly over & I suspect that by 2027 when Tinubu emerges victorious he will crawl back into the hole that he originally came from.
Perhaps at that time he will go back to taking pictures of former Governor Nyesom Wike, the Adeleke’s & other prominent figures for a living & shining their shoes.
Playing clips of things that I said about President Tinubu 11 years ago when I was in the then opposition & when I led the media section of President Jonathan’s presidential campaign organisation will not help him to get rid of the stench of faeces that he has immersed himself in today & neither does it derogate from the fact that he was speaking rubbish when he said Tinubu is a dictator.
Unlike others I will never deny what I have said in the past about Tinubu or anyone else but at least I had the decency & courage to admit that I was wrong & ever since I left the then opposition and joined the APC in 2021 I have not looked back.
Not only did I fight for Tinubu in 2023 during the presidential campaign but I have remained loyal & committed to him & his cause since then and I have no apology for that either.
Unlike Dele I did not benefit from him for close to 40 years, eat from his plate, collect handouts from him, stay in his house, claim to be his brother and yet refuse to support him in achieving his dream of becoming President.
Bobby Dee’s nose is so far up the posterior of those he is now slaving for that he forgot to mention the fact that every single one of them, at some point or the other in their sorry lives & career, have not only changed political parties several times over but have also opposed Tinubu bitterly & even more vehemently than I ever did only to go back & later re-align with him.
I do not begrudge them or blame them for that because that is the nature of politics all over the world.
There are no permanent friends or enemies but only permanent interests and in my view it is in the interest of Nigeria that Tinubu continues the reforms that he started in 2023 after he was elected President.
It is also my view that Nigeria must never fall into the hands of the conglomeration of court jesters, sorry clowns & motely crew of insufferable jokers that Dele is now speaking, slaving & fronting for.
I will still be gentle with my old friend because I have a soft spot for him but if he ever crosses the line with me again I will stop being so restrained.
He does not have the stomach for a real fight because he is vain and thin-skinned. He also has an over- inflated opinion of himself and a huge ego.
These are weaknesses in this game and not strengths and as we get closer to the presidential campaign he will learn this the hard way.
Meanwhile he should stay in his lane otherwise I will give him plenty to write about.
For him to compare Tinubu to Abacha was wrong and if he was anything like the dictator that Dele claims he is both Dele and those he speaks for today would either be dead or in jail.
He should count himself lucky that our President is a democrat and not a monster.
Dele’s lies, duplicity & shameless perfidy have finally been exposed & are as obvious & glaring as his very large stomach.
I advise him to do some press ups & go jogging because unlike before I will no longer remain silent as he & his friends throw mud at our President.
Game on!
(FFK)
society
OWUTU FM 2026 Ramadan Lecture: Sheikh Jamiu Asanbe Urges Muslims to Avoid Showboating in Worship
OWUTU FM 2026 Ramadan Lecture: Sheikh Jamiu Asanbe Urges Muslims to Avoid Showboating in Worship.
The Chief Imam of Agelete Central Mosque, Ikoyi Lagos, Alhaji Jamiu Asanbe, has urged Muslims to remain sincere in their acts of worship and avoid the temptation of seeking public praise for good deeds.
The respected Islamic scholar gave this admonition while delivering a lecture at the OWUTU FM 2026 Ramadan Lecture, held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Lagos.
Speaking on the importance of sincerity in Islam, Sheikh Asanbe cautioned Muslim faithful against what he described as “showboating” — the practice of performing charitable acts or religious duties merely to gain recognition or admiration from others.
According to him, every act of worship in Islam must be done purely for the sake of Almighty Allah.
He explained that while acts such as prayer, fasting, and charity are fundamental pillars of faith, their true value lies in the intention behind them.
The cleric therefore encouraged Muslims to remain genuine in their devotion and avoid mixing their faith with the desire for worldly praise or attention.
Sheikh Asanbe also reminded the faithful that the holy month of Ramadan presents a unique opportunity for spiritual renewal. He urged believers to increase acts of generosity, particularly by supporting the needy, vulnerable members of society, and orphans.
Earlier in her remarks, the Convener of the Ramadan Lecture and CEO of OWUTU FM, Hajia Adejoke Muyibat Balogun, encouraged attendees to use the sacred month as a time for reflection, self-improvement, and community development.
She described the lecture theme as carefully selected to promote spirituality, strengthen faith, and encourage peaceful coexistence within the community.
Balogun expressed appreciation to the numerous guests and supporters who attended the event, noting that their presence reflected the strong bond within the community.
She further reaffirmed OWUTU FM’s commitment to sustaining the annual Ramadan Lecture, praying for Allah’s continued guidance and mercy in the years ahead.
The 2026 edition of the Ramadan Lecture attracted dignitaries and representatives from various organisations including Uzamot Communications, Okutex Fabrics, and the Yeye Asiwaju of Ojota Kingdom.
The event also featured engaging activities such as a quiz competition, where winners were presented with gifts. In the spirit of Ramadan, iftar meals were shared with guests, reinforcing the values of unity, generosity, and compassion that define the holy month.
Through initiatives like this, OWUTU FM continues to play a vital role in promoting faith-based dialogue, community engagement, and social harmony.
Tinubu Abroad, Nigeria in Chaos: The Spectacle of Elite Excess
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“Government officials queue to bid him farewell as he departs, only to rush ahead and line up again to welcome him at his destination; a stark display of misaligned priorities in Nigerian leadership.”
Wednesday, March18, 2026
In a spectacle that has plunged Nigeria’s political class into fresh ignominy, a long line of federal ministers, governors, senators and political hangers‑on queued outside a London hotel this week to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR upon his arrival in the United Kingdom for a two‑day state visit.
Not only did these government officials send off Mr. Tinubu as he departed Nigeria (a ritual in itself excessive given the scale of pressing national crises) they rushed ahead to London to line the halls of his hotel, applauding and greeting him like conquering heroes arriving on foreign shores. This is how Nigeria’s elites now comport themselves while millions of citizens endure ever‑deepening hardship.
A Travesty of Priorities
Tinubu’s visit to the UK, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, is officially billed as an effort to deepen trade relations, attract investment and strengthen bilateral cooperation between Britain and Africa’s most populous nation. While those diplomatic objectives in theory could benefit Nigeria, the optics of an entire political class fawning over a president abroad are unbearably grim against the backdrop of domestic suffering.
According to recent economic analysis, despite macroeconomic adjustments such as ending fuel subsidies and floating the naira, more than 60% of Nigerians still live in poverty and daily hardships are rampant. Security remains a grave concern with violence and banditry destabilising large swathes of the country. Instead of addressing these crises with urgency, Nigeria’s leadership appears fascinated with photo‑ops overseas.
“A System of Self‑Centred Elites”
Critics within Nigeria have not minced words. Political observers describe the spectacle as a display of self‑centred politics divorced from the realities facing ordinary citizens. One observer on social platforms summed up the broader sentiment: “Tinubu represents a system of self‑centred elites (elite consensus over popular will) and this is exactly the performative politics that lines like these embody.”
Dr. Godfrey Mwakikagile, a respected African scholar on post‑colonial governance, has long warned that bad leadership and lack of accountability are Africa’s greatest challenges. “Power in many African states is too centralised and concentrated in the hands of elites who use it to perpetuate themselves at the expense of the public good,” Mwakikagile recently argued; a critique that resonates all the more when ministers fly abroad not to pursue tangible policy but to line up like admirers.
The Cost of Foreign Pageantry
This isn’t the first time Tinubu’s foreign engagements have attracted scrutiny. His administration’s frequent travels (often with large entourages) have drawn criticism for prioritising optics over outcomes, especially when Nigeria’s economy contracts and its people struggle with food inflation and insecurity.
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has been among the most vocal domestic critics of these priorities, noting that Tinubu’s extensive foreign travel (including to the UK) distracts from urgent national needs and has become a “matter of grave concern.” Obi insists that such actions reveal a leadership more interested in global visibility than domestic wellbeing.
Nigeria Jagajaga!
The phrase “Nigeria jagajaga” (loosely translated as Nigeria being in disarray) has never felt more apt. A nation where ministers greet presidents in plush foreign suites while citizens queue for food and services is a country deeply out of balance.
Instead of being welcomed like dignitaries abroad, ministers and governors should be at home addressing the root causes of Nigeria’s struggles: insecurity that displaces communities and kills livelihoods, an economy that leaves the majority impoverished despite reforms, and the persistent failings of governance that erode public trust.
What Nigerians Deserve
President Tinubu and his entourage should be judged not by the number of ministers who lined up to greet him in London, but by the lives changed back in Nigeria.
As scholars like Mwakikagile and critics like Obi remind us, political leadership must be accountable and grounded in service, not spectacle. Nigeria’s leaders owe the people more than applause at international hotels; they owe them safety, economic opportunity, and genuine progress.
If this nation is ever to break free from the cycle of “jagajaga,” then those in power must demonstrate sincerity, not pageantry; action, not admiration. The lines outside a London hotel are not a testament to leadership; they are a testament to where Nigeria’s priorities have tragically come to rest.
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