The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced the redeployment of Dr. Olaide Shonola to the Host Community Division under its Health, Safety, Environment and Community (HSEC) Directorate—an appointment industry observers say reflects the Commission’s renewed focus on community relations and sustainable upstream operations.
Dr. Shonola, who previously served as Head of Public Affairs and Corporate Communication, has been a key figure in advancing NUPRC’s visibility, regulatory clarity, and stakeholder confidence over the years. Her tenure coincided with major reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory environment, including the rollout of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and intensified efforts to align Nigeria’s upstream sector with global transparency standards.
Backed by a PhD in Oil and Gas Management from the University of Dundee, she brings a blend of academic expertise and field experience to her new role. Her redeployment is widely viewed as a strategic move to deepen NUPRC’s engagement with host communities, strengthen conflict-prevention frameworks, and reinforce the implementation of Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) as mandated by the PIA.
Industry analysts note that effective host community engagement has become increasingly important as operators navigate environmental concerns, social licence issues, and heightened expectations for inclusive development. NUPRC’s decision to place an experienced communication strategist at the heart of community affairs underscores the Commission’s commitment to sustainable and people-centered regulation.
For Shonola, the move marks both a continuation and an expansion of her service to the Commission. She described the new chapter as an opportunity to apply her communication experience more directly to community impact, bridge trust gaps, and contribute to a more sustainable energy landscape.
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to enhance regulatory stability and build stronger relationships with communities across oil-producing regions, her appointment is expected to support NUPRC’s mission of maintaining its leadership as Africa’s foremost upstream regulator.
NUPRC redeploys Dr. Olaide Shonola to its Host Community Division under the HSEC Directorate, strengthening stakeholder engagement, community trust, and sustainability efforts in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas industry.
Discover more from Ameh News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
