Towards achieving regional collaboration for sustainable development, the Petroleum Regulatory Forum (AFRIPERF) convened its second virtual meeting during the week.
By Emma Ogbuehi
Towards achieving regional collaboration for sustainable development, the Petroleum Regulatory Forum (AFRIPERF) convened its second virtual meeting during the week.
The meeting, chaired by Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of Nigeria’s Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), followed the forum’s inaugural meeting held on July 1, 2024, at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, according to a release by Mrs. Olaide Shonola, Head, Public Affairs and Corporate Communication of NUPRC.
Listing the gains of AFRIPERF, the release stated that the body aims to enhance regional petroleum governance by fostering collaboration among member regulators. Key objectives include harmonising regulations and standards, improving regulatory capacity through training, and promoting dialogue with industry stakeholders and international organisations. The forum addresses regional challenges, facilitates knowledge sharing, encourages technology transfer and advocates for member interests on international platforms.
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Shonola added that during the meeting, participants reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration and sustainable growth in Africa’s petroleum sector. Engineer Komolafe, she said, emphasised the importance of unity among African nations to strengthen the continent’s petroleum industry, adding that he commended attendees for their engagement and highlighted AFRIPERF’s role in fostering relationships that can attract investment and stimulate economic growth.
Key priorities discussed included building sustainable capacity, harmonising regulatory frameworks for consistency and enabling effective sharing of expertise among member countries.
According to Shonola, Mr. Egbert Fabille, CEO of Ghana’s Petroleum Commission, underscored the necessity of institutionalising the forum across Africa to achieve a unified petroleum sector. Similarly, Mohammed Dukuly from Liberia’s Petroleum Regulatory Authority welcomed the initiative and urged member states to take ownership of their regulatory environments.
“The meeting concluded with several action items, including the adoption of an official logo for AFRIPERF and a review of the forum’s charter, which is set to be adopted in the next meeting. Participants engaged in rich discussions on enhancing collaborative efforts among member countries, including plans for a pan-African webinar on regulatory trends and harmonised training programmes.
“The resolutions from this meeting are expected to strengthen Africa’s petroleum sector, equipping it to address current and emerging challenges in the energy industry. The virtual session included representatives from various African regulators, including those from Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Senegal and Angola”, the statement added.
