The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, haa disbursed a total of N326.51 billion, representing the statutory 3% of oil and gas operators’ operational expenditure, OPEX, to 145 Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) duly incorporated by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA.

This is according to the Chief Executive of the NUPRC, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, who disclosed the figures during his keynote presentation at the ongoing 24th edition of the NOG Energy Week Conference and Exhibition between June 29 and July 3, 2025, at the Abuja International Conference Centre.

Komolafe also reported that the number of active oil rigs operating in the country has increased by a 37.5% rise from May 2025 to 44 in July 2025, in what the NUPRC Boss attributed to the reduction in oil theft resulting from the Federal Government’s kinetic and non-kinetic interventions.

According to Komolafe, the amount of N326.51 billion allocated to host communities were sourced from 94 settlors in line with the provisions of the PIA, and includes a United State dollar component converted at an exchange rate of ₦1,529.63 to $1 as of July 1, 2025.

He emphasised the Commission’s commitment to fostering growth in the upstream sector and ensure that host communities benefit meaningfully from resource development.

Komolafe highlighted the Commission’s initiatives, including the Project One Million Barrels initiative, which aims to increase Nigeria’s production from 1.46 million to 2.5 million barrels per day by 2026, while he noted that 1.7 million bpd has already been achieved.

On the issue of protecting national oil and gas assets in order to curb oil theft, the NUPRC Chief Executive revealed that 37 new evacuation routes have been approved, and the Commission is working closely with security agencies to boost accountability.

Komolafe also highlighted the Commission’s HostComply platform, which has brought transparency and real benefits to oil-producing communities. He also noted that the Commission’s full-scale digitisation efforts are transforming regulatory oversight, delivering speed, efficiency, and clarity to investors.

He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to implementing the National Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme, NGFCP, and achieving national and global climate goals, just as he stated that the Commission will not tolerate non-compliant producers and will take regulatory action against those who fail to fulfil their agreements.

Looking forward, the NUPRC Chief Executive expressed optimism at showcasing operational flare capture projects that reflect the country’s dedication to national and global climate goals at next year’s NOG event.

The NOG Energy Week themed 'Accelerating Global Energy Progress Through Investment, Partnerships & Innovation', is an annual international exhibition and conference focused on the oil, gas, LNG, and wider energy sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa, abd serves as a key platform for industry professionals, government officials, and stakeholders to network, exchange knowledge, and explore business opportunities in the region's energy landscape. The event also aims to advance Africa's role in the global energy industry, with a particular focus on energy transition, investment, and technological advancements. 

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