Nigeria has once again demonstrated leadership in Africa’s oil and gas sector by spearheading the signing of a charter to birth the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF).
The landmark signing ceremony chaired by the Commission Chief Executive (CCE) Of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, took place on the sidelines of the 31st edition of the Africa Oil Week (AOW) in Accra, Ghana.
The event was gracefully attended by regulators from 16 African countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea and Togo.
Others in attendance were: Kenya, Mauritania, Benin, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Morocco. Based on Chapter II, Article 3, the purpose of the Forum is to “Foster collaboration, cooperation and coordination among Member Regulators; Promote harmonization of petroleum regulations and standards to enhance effective sector governance, uphold safety protocols and safeguard environmental protection.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Komolafe, who doubles as the interim chairman of the forum, described the landmark 4th AFRIPERF Meeting and Charter Signing Ceremony as a decisive step towards building a harmonised and sustainable petroleum industry in Africa.
The CCE said as the world navigates complex transitions toward cleaner, more sustainable energy systems, Africa must ensure that its vast hydrocarbon resources are managed with innovation, responsibility and foresight.
He said: “From our initial announcement at the 8th SAIPEC, to our inauguration during the NOG 2024 event and the careful drafting of the AFRIPERF Charter, each milestone has brought us closer to this historic day.
“By activating our executive committee, technical committee and secretariat, we are establishing the functional pillars that will drive AFRIPERF forward, ensuring that our shared vision is translated into measurable results with defined timelines and accountability.”
At the ceremony, regulators from eight African countries formally endorsed the AFRIPERF Charter, while seven others present expressed support with a pledge to join at a future date after consultations.
Those who signed the charter include: Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea and Togo.The AFRIPERF Charter defines both the mission and vision of the Forum. Its mission is “to enhance cooperation and collaboration among African petroleum regulators, to ensure a safe, efficient, rewarding, equitable, and sustainable petroleum industry.”
The Forum is also designed with the bold vision “to be the premier platform for African petroleum regulators to share knowledge, best practices, and expertise, in order to attain regional excellence in petroleum regulation.”
The purpose and principles of the forum, which is expected to be a game-changer, has clearly defined terms that will transform the continent’s oil and gas industry.