Lagos, Dec. 20, 2025 – The Women in Energy Network (WIEN) has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), heralding it as a transformative moment for gender inclusion and leadership within the nation’s critical energy industry.
In a joint statement issued in Lagos, WIEN President Mrs. Eyono Fatayi-Williams and Executive Secretary Mrs. Asanimo Omezi celebrated the decision, which marks the first time a woman will lead Nigeria’s upstream petroleum regulator. This sector, responsible for oil and gas exploration and production, is the cornerstone of the national economy.
“This appointment is both inspiring and transformative,” stated Fatayi-Williams. “It sends a powerful, unequivocal message about the value of inclusive leadership and meritocracy. By appointing a technocrat of Mrs. Eyesan’s calibre, the government signals a clear resolve to build a modern, resilient, and transparent regulatory framework at a critical juncture for the industry.”
The significance of this milestone extends beyond symbolism. For years, advocacy groups like WIEN have highlighted the stark gender disparity in energy sector leadership, particularly in technical and regulatory roles. Eyesan’s appointment shatters a prominent glass ceiling and provides a tangible, high-profile benchmark for aspiring female engineers, geoscientists, and executives. It reinforces the argument that diverse leadership teams, which include women at the highest levels, are essential for driving innovation, improving governance, and achieving sustainable growth in complex sectors.
Omezi described the move as “a major boost for gender inclusion and future-ready leadership.” She emphasized, “This decision demonstrates a tangible commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive leadership structure. WIEN is proud of what this represents for women across the energy value chain and remains steadfast in our mission to support their rise to influential positions.”
A Profile in Leadership and Technical Acumen
The appointment is widely viewed as a merit-based selection, drawing on Eyesan’s formidable three-decade career. An Economics graduate of the University of Benin, she honed her expertise within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and its subsidiaries, retiring in November 2024 as the Executive Vice President, Upstream. In this role, she was directly responsible for overseeing the entirety of Nigeria’s upstream petroleum operations.
Her career portfolio showcases a unique blend of strategic, financial, and operational mastery:
- Strategic Architect: As Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer and earlier as Group General Manager of Corporate Planning and Strategy, she led the development of NNPC’s sustainability framework and long-term capital allocation plans.
- Financial Steward: She was instrumental in strengthening financial discipline and improving cost efficiency across operations.
- Dealmaker and Negotiator: Eyesan guided major mergers and acquisitions and played a key role in high-stakes government engagements on national budgets and development planning. A standout achievement was leading the resolution of the protracted Escravos Gas-to-Liquids (EGTL) dispute, which secured multi-million-dollar revenues for both NNPC and the Nigerian state.
Implications for the Sector and Beyond
Stakeholders assert that Eyesan’s leadership comes at a pivotal time. The NUPRC, established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021, is tasked with driving the reform and modernization of the upstream sector. Her deep institutional knowledge, combined with a proven track record in complex governance and commercial negotiations, positions her to instill greater efficiency, accountability, and investor confidence.
Ultimately, this appointment is more than a personnel decision; it is a powerful symbol of progress. It validates the advocacy of organizations like WIEN and provides a concrete example of how inclusive policy can unlock top-tier talent. As Eyesan assumes her role, she carries the dual mandate of steering a vital economic regulator and inspiring a new generation of women to lead in energy and beyond. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
