Nigeria signed a charter to establish the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), which seeks to promote investment and harmonize petroleum regulations across the continent.
Regulators from eight African countries endorsed the AFRIPERF Charter, while seven others present pledged to join after consultations, according to NUPRC’s Head of Media and Strategic Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu.
The charter signatories include Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, and Togo.
Interim Chairman Komolafe described the 4th AFRIPERF Meeting and Charter Signing as a decisive step toward building a unified and sustainable petroleum industry in Africa.
He emphasized that as the world shifts toward cleaner and more sustainable energy systems, Africa must manage its vast hydrocarbon resources with innovation, responsibility, and foresight.
Komolafe noted that the forum’s journey began at the 8th SAIPEC, followed by its inauguration during the NOG 2024 event and the drafting of the AFRIPERF Charter, culminating in the signing.
He explained that the Executive Committee, Technical Committee, and Secretariat would serve as the functional pillars driving AFRIPERF’s operations.
According to him, the Executive Committee will act as the main oversight body, made up of heads of oil and gas regulatory agencies across Africa.
The Technical Committee, he said, will consist of subject matter experts from member countries and partners to address regulatory areas and industry issues based on priorities set by the Executive Committee.
Komolafe added that the Secretariat will draw its membership from different countries, with nominations submitted to the Executive Committee for ratification.
He stated that AFRIPERF provides regulators with a platform to harmonize policies, address shared challenges, and ensure Africa’s voice carries weight in global petroleum discussions.
He praised regulators and stakeholders for their contributions to developing AFRIPERF.
Komolafe explained that the charter outlines the forum’s mission to strengthen cooperation among African petroleum regulators and promote a safe, efficient, fair, and sustainable petroleum industry.
He said AFRIPERF aims to become the leading platform for African petroleum regulators to share knowledge, best practices, and expertise to achieve regional excellence in regulation.
The forum also seeks to tackle regional regulatory challenges, leverage opportunities, and encourage knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and international best practices among member states.
Following the signing, AFRIPERF will invite nominations for the Chairperson, as required by Article 12, and representatives from each member country, as outlined in Article 10. The forum will also designate its headquarters under Article 25.
The meeting drew participants from 16 African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, and Togo, as well as Kenya, Mauritania, Benin, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, South Africa, and Morocco.
Senator Etang Williams, Chairman of Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Upstream, attended the event as an observer.
The signing capped Komolafe’s 2024 proposal to create AFRIPERF as a platform to strengthen petroleum governance across Africa.
source: nannews.ng
African Energy Council