The Women in Maritime and Energy Awards has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. In a statement by its Board of Trustees chairperson, Chizoba Anyika, the group described the appointment as historic, inspiring and well deserved.
Anyika said WIME is proud to see an alumna take up such a strategic national role and expressed confidence that Eyesan’s leadership will strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of upstream regulation. She added that the move sends a strong signal about forward looking leadership, diversity and inclusivity in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Eyesan, a former WIME awardee, is the first woman to lead Nigeria’s upstream petroleum regulatory agency. WIME noted that this marks a major milestone for gender representation and aligns with its mission to build an ecosystem where women can advance, lead, innovate and thrive across maritime and energy value chains.
The group called for more opportunities for women to occupy top positions in both sectors, arguing that inclusive leadership is essential for sustainable industry development. It urged government and industry players to deepen support, mentorship and visibility for qualified female professionals.
Providing background, WIME highlighted Eyesan’s more than 30 year career at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and its subsidiaries. An Economics graduate of the University of Benin, she retired in November 2024 as NNPC’s Executive Vice President, Upstream, where she oversaw strategic management of Nigeria’s upstream operations.
Her previous roles include Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer and Group General Manager, Corporate Planning and Strategy. In those positions, she led NNPC’s sustainability framework, strengthened financial discipline, improved cost efficiency, guided mergers and acquisitions policy and coordinated long term strategy, budgeting and capital allocation, including engagement on national development plans.
One of her standout achievements was leading the commercial dispute resolution for the Escravos Gas to Liquids project, which settled long running cost disputes and secured significant additional revenue for both NNPC and the Nigerian state. WIME said this record shows her ability to deliver complex, high value outcomes.
Anyika said Eyesan’s appointment reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to stronger governance, inclusive leadership and a more diversified executive pipeline. She expressed confidence that Eyesan will promote transparency, efficiency and regulatory excellence at NUPRC, while WIME continues to support women in the wider maritime and energy space.
WIME Executive Director Tunbosun Afolayan described the appointment as a major step forward for gender inclusion and future ready leadership in the energy industry. She said it shows a clear commitment to a more diverse leadership structure and pledged that WIME will keep championing support, visibility and opportunities for women across the sector.
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