The Centre for Fiscal Transparency in Natural Resources (CFTNR) has praised the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its firm commitment to transparency, accountability, and enforcement of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

This commendation follows a directive by the House of Representatives mandating OML18 Resources Limited—formerly Sahara Field Production Ltd—to remit $4.02 million to the Federation Account. The amount represents 20 percent of the company’s confirmed debt to the federal government.

OML18 is among 45 oil and gas firms flagged in an audit and data report submitted by NUPRC, which identified $1.7 billion in cumulative unpaid royalties, gas flare penalties, and other liabilities.

During a session of the House Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Rep. Bamidele Salam, OML18 was given five days to remit the $4.02 million and 14 days to reconcile its full outstanding obligations with its asset operator. The company is also expected to provide a comprehensive breakdown of its debt, which includes $17.37 million in crude oil royalties, $2.86 million in gas flare penalties, and N173.7 million in gas sales revenue.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Halima Isa Lawal, Executive Director of CFTNR, described NUPRC’s enforcement actions as a turning point in Nigeria’s extractive industry governance.

“NUPRC’s actions demonstrate that the reforms under the PIA are beginning to take hold,” Lawal said. “For years, Nigeria struggled with weak oversight in the upstream sector. What we’re witnessing is a new era of data-led, assertive regulation.”

She lauded NUPRC Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, for driving compliance without political interference, saying the Commission’s approach restores institutional credibility and investor confidence.

“Transparency is no longer negotiable. NUPRC’s efforts go beyond figures — they reassert the rule of law in Nigeria’s most critical revenue sector,” Lawal added.

Highlighting the country’s fiscal challenges, Lawal stressed the need for every dollar earned in the oil and gas sector to be fully accounted for. She urged stronger collaboration among regulatory agencies, parliament, and civil society to prevent revenue leakages and drive systemic reform.

She also called on the National Assembly to continue supporting independent regulatory enforcement, noting the House Committee on Public Accounts has demonstrated commendable resolve in its oversight.

“Let this mark the beginning of a new era — where statutory obligations are enforced, and failures are met with swift accountability,” Lawal concluded, encouraging other companies to proactively align with the sector’s evolving transparency standards.