Nigeria’s Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has officially ranked the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) as the nation’s most transparent and ethics-compliant agency. The pronouncement, detailed in the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (EICS) report, directly refutes widespread allegations of corruption against the commission and its immediate past chief executive, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe. This significant finding positions NUPRC at the forefront of governmental integrity.
The comprehensive EICS report, released recently in Abuja, awarded NUPRC an impressive 91.83 points, placing it first among 357 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) evaluated nationwide. This score signifies “Substantial Compliance” with stringent ethics, internal control mechanisms, and statutory requirements, directly contradicting earlier speculations that had labelled the commission a “den of corruption.” The audit specifically covered the period when Komolafe faced accusations of financial impropriety.
The ICPC report unequivocally dismissed claims of revenue diversion, the operation of “33 secret bank accounts,” and the concealment of an alleged $20 billion. It stated that it would be “statistically and procedurally impossible” for an agency engaged in such activities to simultaneously pass the commission’s rigorous forensic audit of its internal controls. This strong assertion validates NUPRC’s financial integrity during Komolafe’s leadership.
The data presented in the report painted a clear picture of NUPRC as a regulator enforcing strict compliance and maintaining watertight financial records. This stood in stark contrast to other players within the sector who reportedly struggled with transparency and adherence to financial guidelines. The findings effectively inverted the prevailing narrative that had cast Mr. Komolafe as a central problem in the petroleum industry.
It appears Komolafe’s stringent regulatory oversight, which likely contributed to NUPRC’s exceptional integrity score, may have inadvertently made him a target for individuals or groups resistant to reforms. The report suggests that the allegations, particularly those concerning a $20 billion diversion, were likely a “coordinated hit job” designed to tarnish the reputation of a reform-minded leader as he prepared to exit his role.
The ICPC’s evaluation went beyond mere financial checks, assessing MDAs on crucial indices such as financial management guidelines, timely retirement of advances, and adherence to the Public Procurement Act. Internal audit processes, including the verification of payments and projects, were also thoroughly scrutinized, providing a holistic view of institutional compliance.
NUPRC’s score of 91.83 demonstrated that its financial systems were robust and secure, ranking among the most reliable in government. This performance was particularly notable given that 99 other MDAs lacked proper guidelines for funds, and 114 failed to submit required financial reports, underscoring NUPRC’s exemplary fiscal responsibility under Komolafe.
As Mr. Komolafe concluded his tenure, he did so not under a cloud of scandal, but with a clear “badge of honour” bestowed by the anti-graft agency itself. He leaves behind an institution officially rated as Nigeria’s most ethically compliant, a testament to the success of his reforms and the ultimate failure of the smear campaign against him. The scoreboard, as the report highlighted, speaks for itself.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has welcomed its new Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, who recently assumed office following Mr. Komolafe’s departure. During her inaugural town hall meeting with management and staff, Ms. Eyesan outlined an ambitious vision to reposition Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector, pledging to boost investments and drive higher production in alignment with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
Ms. Eyesan stressed her objective to transform NUPRC into a “business enabler,” emphasizing that effective regulation must actively support growth, investment, and value creation across the entire upstream industry. She also committed to fostering an open-door policy and regular engagement with staff, calling for collective cooperation and shared commitment as the sector embarks on a new phase of transformation. She stated, “I don’t see impediments, only opportunities.”
