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The Pan-African Regulatory Excellence Forum (PAREF) has commended the appointment of Gbenga Komolafe, chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), as the interim chairman of the newly launched African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), describing it as a ‘fitting recognition of Nigeria’s reform leadership in the oil and gas sector’.

In a statement signed on Monday by its executive director, Dr Aisha Njoroge, PAREF said Komolafe’s emergence reflects Africa’s growing confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory reforms and its capacity to drive a new era of collaboration across the continent’s petroleum industry.

AFRIPERF, inaugurated during the Africa Oil Week in Accra, Ghana, on September 18, 2025, brings together petroleum regulators from 16 African countries, eight of which – including Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, Togo, and Somalia – have already signed the forum’s charter.

The body aims to harmonize oil and gas laws, standards, and compliance systems across Africa, addressing decades of policy fragmentation that have discouraged cross-border investment and weakened collective bargaining power in global markets.

PAREF described Komolafe’s appointment as ‘a vote of confidence in reform-driven leadership and Nigeria’s commitment to transparency and innovation’.

‘The emergence of Gbenga Komolafe as interim chairman of AFRIPERF is a significant step for Africa’s energy governance. It validates Nigeria’s post-PIA reforms and offers a rare opportunity to convert the rhetoric of regional cooperation into measurable outcomes,’ the statement read.

Dr Njoroge said the forum must demonstrate early credibility by focusing on harmonization of gas measurement standards, emissions regulations, digital compliance systems, and transparent reporting templates for oil and gas production.

‘The success of AFRIPERF will not depend on how many countries join, but on the quality of what it delivers. The continent cannot afford another bureaucratic platform. AFRIPERF must be a practical institution that strengthens efficiency, transparency, and environmental responsibility,’ she said.

According to PAREF, Africa’s oil-producing nations currently operate under widely differing fiscal regimes, licensing procedures, and environmental standards; challenges that have limited intra-African trade and created inefficiencies in investment management.

The think tank said the establishment of AFRIPERF under Komolafe’s leadership presents an opportunity to address these gaps and position Africa as a more coordinated bloc in global energy diplomacy.

However, PAREF warned that the success of the initiative will depend on inclusivity and independence from political interference.

‘Regulatory convergence should not become regulatory domination. Smaller or less-resourced countries must not be sidelined. Every member must have an equal voice in the decision-making process if the forum is to maintain legitimacy,’ Njoroge cautioned.

She also raised concerns about capacity disparity among African regulators, noting that while some countries have digitized regulatory systems and robust data monitoring frameworks, others still rely on manual audits and outdated infrastructure.

‘AFRIPERF must create mechanisms for shared learning and resource pooling. Without a plan for cross-border training and knowledge exchange, the forum may inadvertently deepen existing inequalities,’ she added.

On financing, PAREF advised that the forum should adopt a transparent and sustainable funding model, avoiding overdependence on donor agencies.

‘AFRIPERF’s independence is crucial. While partnerships with development institutions may help, Africa’s regulatory destiny must be defined by African priorities, not external agendas. Member states should fund the forum equitably and transparently,’ the statement said.

Dr Njoroge said Komolafe’s track record at NUPRC – particularly his focus on data transparency, digital licensing, host community development, and anti-theft monitoring systems – makes him ‘uniquely qualified’ to lead the continent’s regulatory convergence effort.

She added that Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) reforms of 2021 had already positioned the NUPRC as one of Africa’s most advanced energy regulators, providing a model that AFRIPERF could replicate.

‘With Mr. Komolafe’s experience, Africa now has a chance to build a truly harmonized petroleum regulatory framework that supports energy transition, economic diversification, and shared prosperity,’ she said.

The forum urged African governments to support AFRIPERF’s agenda and to ‘seize this moment to build a united front in global energy governance’.

‘Africa must speak with one voice. Komolafe’s leadership offers the credibility, but the continent must now provide the political will,’ Njoroge advised.

After years of terror and despair, peace has finally returned to Birnin Gwari.

The Emir of the once-besieged community, Malam Zubair Jibril, (Mai-Gwari II), is urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take the next crucial step, from peace to prosperity.

Speaking during an event organised to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Emir commended President Tinubu for restoring security in the troubled area but called for urgent federal investment in infrastructure, education, and economic revitalisation.

‘You gave us peace. Now, we ask for prosperity,’ the Emir declared. ‘Security brought us back to our land, but only development will keep us here.’

He recalled that for nearly two decades, Birnin Gwari was one of Nigeria’s most dangerous flash points ravaged by banditry, kidnappings, and economic collapse.

‘Today, under President Tinubu’s administration and with the support of the Kaduna State Government, banditry has reduced by over 90%, and kidnappings have dropped by 95%. Residents are returning, farms are flourishing again, and children now sleep without fear,’ he said.

According to the Emir: ‘Mr. President, you are Dakaren Birnin Gwari, the one who stood with us when we were forgotten. Now, help us rise. Turn this peace into prosperity and let Birnin Gwari become a shining example of what Nigeria can achieve when leadership meets loyalty.’

He warned that peace without progress is fragile, noting that lasting stability depends on visible development.

‘We are grateful, Your Excellency, for your courage in visiting us when others would not when you drove through our most dangerous road in 2022 and made a promise to end the violence. You kept that promise. But we plead with you now: let this not be the end of the story.’

The Emir listed priority areas requiring federal intervention, including full rehabilitation of the Funtua-Birnin Gwari and Birnin Gwari-Minna roads, restoration of banking and telecommunications services cut off since 2021, and the establishment of a federal tertiary institution to serve the region’s growing youth population.

He also urged the upgrade of the Jibril Mai Gwari I Memorial Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre, describing it as a lifeline that serves communities across Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, and Zamfara States. ‘Upgrading it would not just improve healthcare, it would save lives every day,’ he said.

The Emir commended Governor Uba Sani’s leadership and ongoing projects such as the planned cattle market, abattoir, and the 26-kilometre Bagoma-Gagumi Road. However, he stressed that the pace and scale of development must be accelerated, saying only the Federal Government has the capacity to deliver transformative change.

‘Peace is a doorway, not a destination,’ the Emir concluded. ‘If we walk through it and find nothing on the other side, no jobs, no schools, no roadsthen the risk of a return to violence remains.’

Senior Special Assistant to the President on citizenship and leadership, Hon. Nasir Bala Aminu Ja’oji (Adon Garin Kasar Hausa), has congratulated the son of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi, on his 40th birthday.

In a congratulatory message on Monday, Ja’oji described Seyi as a humble, kind and generous person, whose life has inspired many within and outside his generation.

Ja’oji said: ‘I join family, friends, associates and well-wishers in celebrating you on this special day of your 40th birthday anniversary because you are such a rare humble, kind and generous person among your peers. I am proud to be associated with you now and always.’

The presidential; aide also congratulated Seyi Tinubu for attaining what he described as an accomplished life of solid years.

According to him: ‘A journey of an accomplished life of 40 solid years like yours isn’t a joke; you have achieved a lot and lived a simple and descent life that many others may wish to emulate.’

‘May Almighty Allah grant you sound health and wisdom, as you continue to serve humanity. Please accept my heartfelt felicitations.’

Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has inaugurated a new Secretary to State Government (SSG), Benibo Anabraba to replace Dr Tammy Danagogo.

It was gathered the replacement of Danagogo was in line with the new peace agreement that ended the political crisis in the state.

Danagogo was an SSG during the second term of former Governor, Nyesom Wike and retained the position in Fubara’s administration till the declaration of emergency rule in the state.

Fubara, while inaugurating Anabraba at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Monday, identified him as a former Minority Leader of the Rivers House of Assembly and one of his former commissioners.

Addressing Anabraba, the Governor said: ‘Within the period we worked together, you did well as a very dedicated person. So, this opportunity is not to display power or a show of the size of office, but a call to duty.

‘We are just coming from a very bad position, so we need to reassure the people of Rivers that we mean well for them especially now that peace has returned to the state’.

While congratulating the new SSG, Fubara described his position as a rare privilege advising him to guard his office with honour.

He said: ‘So, my charge is very simple. God has brought you in at this particular time to be the Secretary to the Government of Rivers State. It is a rare opportunity. We can count the number of SSGs we have had from the inception of Rivers State but you can’t count number of commissions, they are too many.

‘It is a position of honour, so guard that office with honour. Discharge your duties with respect, and protect the interest of Rivers State, so that when you are leaving the office, it will be with honour. You can only leave with honour when you discharge your duties responsibly’.