The President of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), Dr. Benjamin Style Tamaranebi, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Engr. Gbenga Komolafe FNSE, CFR, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), as he celebrates his 61st birthday.
In a congratulatory message, Dr. Tamaranebi praised Engr. Komolafe for his outstanding leadership in the upstream petroleum sector. “In just three years, Engr. Komolafe has implemented groundbreaking reforms that have taken Nigeria’s petroleum industry to new heights,” he said.
Dr. Tamaranebi highlighted the crucial role Engr. Komolafe has played in enhancing the relationship between the NUPRC and oil-producing communities. “A key aspect of his leadership has been his unwavering commitment to the development of host communities, fostering stronger bonds between these communities and the Commission,” he noted.
One of the notable milestones during Engr. Komolafe’s tenure is the establishment of an Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (ADRC) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
According to Dr. Tamaranebi, this center has been instrumental in resolving community-related disputes. “The creation of host community response centers across oil and gas-producing states has significantly improved the management of Host Community Development Trusts,” he added.
Dr. Tamaranebi also commended Engr. Komolafe’s determination to enforce the 3% annual operational expenditure (OPEX) remittance from oil companies to host communities, as stipulated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). “Thanks to his efforts, over 200 billion Naira has been paid into the Host Communities Development Trusts, benefiting countless communities,” he remarked.
The HOSTCOM President further lauded the introduction of the HOSTCOMPLY initiative, aimed at promoting sustainability and transparency within the sector. “These initiatives have contributed to a steady rise in Nigeria’s crude oil production, now nearing 1.8 million barrels per day, meeting both domestic needs and boosting local refining capacity,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Tamaranebi expressed his best wishes for Engr. Komolafe’s continued success.
“We pray for God’s wisdom, blessings, and protection as he continues to lead with distinction,” he said, adding, “Happy 61st birthday to our indefatigable leader, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, a true trailblazer in the petroleum sector.”
