NUPRC Urges Stronger Offshore-Maritime Integration To Boost Jobs, Investment
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has called for stronger integration between offshore petroleum operations and the maritime industry to attract investment, create jobs and unlock Nigeria’s blue-economy potential.
The NUPRC Chief Executive, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyisan, made the call on Tuesday in Lagos at the 2026 Lagos International Maritime Week (LIMWEEK).
Eyisan, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Health, Safety, Environment and Community, Capt. John Tonlagha, said government policies must translate into concrete infrastructure, investment and measurable economic value.
She said the theme of the event, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence in Africa,” required stakeholders to move beyond policy formulation to effective implementation through clear standards, procedures, operational controls and enforcement.
According to her, the success of any policy should be measured by its ability to guarantee safety, create employment, protect the environment and deliver sustainable economic benefits.
Eyisan described offshore oil development as a major maritime enterprise involving vessels, ports, logistics, fabrication, specialised services and other activities throughout the oil and gas value chain, from exploration and production to decommissioning and environmental restoration.
She therefore stressed the need for closer collaboration among regulators, oil operators, security agencies and coastal communities, alongside sustained investment in technology, human capital and environmental protection.
The NUPRC chief said Nigeria’s regulatory framework follows a chain of policy, legislation, regulation, standards, procedures, implementation, monitoring, enforcement and continuous improvement, noting that its effectiveness would ultimately depend on how well it was implemented.
She added that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 provides a foundation for local content, offshore exploration, terminals, pipelines and environmental management in line with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards.
Eyisan disclosed that Nigeria had 131 offshore and deep-offshore concessions, with 15.97 billion barrels of 2P oil reserves and 92.71 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of gas, representing about 43 per cent of the country’s total reserves as of January 2026.
She noted that offshore projects generate extensive opportunities for Nigerian businesses through activities such as seismic surveys, drilling operations, Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) projects, support vessels, fabrication and emergency response services.
According to her, the new deep-offshore framework announced on August 11, 2026, is targeting up to $50 billion in investment, with incentives including tax credits and local execution requirements aimed at strengthening domestic capacity.
She identified policy predictability, maritime infrastructure, domestic capability, safety, environmental performance, human capital development, partnerships and continuous learning as key priorities for the sector.
On decommissioning, Eyisan said the process should be viewed not only as a regulatory obligation but also as an economic opportunity, urging early investment in skills, specialised vessels and facilities required to safely retire ageing offshore assets.
She warned that such preparations were necessary to prevent environmental and economic burdens from being transferred to coastal communities.
Eyisan said Nigeria’s progress should ultimately be assessed by increased investment, improved oil and gas production, greater participation of Nigerian companies in maritime activities, stronger environmental protection and the emergence of the country as a leading African hub for offshore energy and maritime services.
