Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Petroleum Jimmy Maladina has formally addressed the newly sworn-in Board of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) under the National Petroleum Authority Act 2025. The ceremony was held 24 November in Port Moresby.
The inaugural NPA Board comprises:
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Chairman Hubert Hanjause Namani
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Mr. Dairi Vele (Deputy Chairman), chairman of the State Negotiating Team (SNT)
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Managing Director of Ok Tedi
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State Solicitor Mr. Daniel Rolpagarea
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Secretary for Treasury Mr. Andrew Oaeke
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Acting Managing Director and Secretary for Petroleum Dr. David Manau
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Mr. Robert Nilkare, a prominent business leader
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony, Minister Maladina said the event represented more than the installation of a new board, describing it as a critical milestone in one of the most significant reforms in PNG’s petroleum governance landscape. He said the reform directly supports the transformation of the former Department of Petroleum into an independent, modern, and professional statutory regulator—the National Petroleum Authority.
The Minister welcomed the Board and commended its members for accepting the responsibility to serve at what he described as a pivotal moment in the history of the petroleum sector and the country’s broader economic development.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Namani said the composition brings together a strong balance of commercial negotiation experience, legal and financial expertise, and regulatory continuity, positioning the NPA to deliver credible and effective petroleum governance.
“A credible regulator must first must first be an accountable regulator.”
The Board outlined its immediate priorities, including:
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Strengthening governance frameworks
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Organisational and people transformation
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Establishing effective operational systems and regulatory processes
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Long-term strategic development to ensure PNG remains globally competitive
Major Exploration Activities
Key upcoming and ongoing exploration activities include:
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Mailu-1 wildcat well (TotalEnergies and PETRONAS) – Q1 2026
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Nanamarope-1 well in PPL 579 (Larus Energy) – 2027
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Ongoing preparations for the petroleum licensing bid round, with technical support from the Australian Government
Namani said the Board is encouraged by progress made by Peak Oil in advancing frontier exploration potential in the New Ireland Basin, noting the opportunities the emerging province may unlock for PNG’s future petroleum development.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring all projects are sustainably developed, responsibly regulated, transparent in approvals, and aligned with the long-term national interest.
He also called on NPA staff to demonstrate professionalism, unity, and dedication, stating, “You are the engine room of this institution. Your work will define the credibility of the NPA.”
“We look forward to building a modern, credible and high-performing petroleum regulator, one that protects the State’s interests, supports national development, and ensures the wealth beneath our land and seas benefits Papua New Guineans.”
Minister Maladina said the NPA will be central to shaping PNG’s petroleum future and will serve as the key enabler for effective and efficient promotion, monitoring, and regulation of both upstream and downstream petroleum activities.
He said the Authority will be responsible for safeguarding national interests, ensuring fair returns from resources, and protecting landowner rights, adding that its work will directly influence investor confidence and future industry partnerships.
“Your leadership and stewardship will shape how this Authority delivers on its mandate and how confidently our industry, investors, landowners, and international partners engage with Papua New Guinea,” he told the Board.
Ten Priority Areas for PNG’s Petroleum Sector
Minister Maladina outlined 10 key priorities requiring the Board’s full oversight:
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Papua LNG Project
He reaffirmed the national importance of progressing the Papua LNG Project toward Final Investment Decision (FID), stating the NPA must ensure regulatory clarity and timely approvals. -
Pasca A Gas Project
Reiterating its significance as PNG’s first offshore gas-condensate development, he said Pasca A must proceed with discipline, transparency, and strong regulatory oversight. -
Stanley Gas Project
He highlighted the project’s potential for early gas utilisation and domestic market growth, calling for strict adherence to regulatory and fiscal expectations. -
Production Sharing Contract (PSC) Fiscal and Regulatory Reform
The Minister said PNG is transitioning to a PSC-based regime and urged the Board to help establish world-class regulatory systems, fiscal frameworks, and operational standards. -
Block Bid Rounds, New Exploration, and Future Developments
He emphasised the revival of exploration through a transparent and competitive licensing framework. -
Downstream Petroleum Regulation and Processing
Minister Maladina underscored the importance of downstream development for energy security and industrialisation, tasking the NPA with enforcing compliance and supporting investments in refining and petrochemical initiatives. -
Landowner Benefits and Affairs Management
Describing landowner matters as central to sector stability, he said the Authority must ensure accuracy, transparency, and fairness in benefit distribution, clan vetting, project agreements, and community engagement. -
National Gas Master Plan
He stressed the need for a long-term national strategy to guide gas utilisation across domestic and export markets. -
Environmental, Climate Change, and ESG Frameworks
The Minister reminded the Board that PNG must strengthen environmental compliance and emissions monitoring as the global energy transition accelerates. -
Full Establishment of the NPA under MTDP IV
He said full operationalisation of the Authority is essential to achieving petroleum targets under the Medium-Term Development Plan IV.
“The Board’s leadership will determine how quickly and effectively the Authority reaches full functionality,” he added.
Minister Maladina reminded Board members that their decisions will shape billions of kina in investment and directly affect the livelihoods of landowners.
“I have full confidence in your expertise, your integrity, and your collective wisdom. Together, let us build an NPA that Papua New Guinea can trust, that investors can respect, and that future generations can be proud of.”
He congratulated the Board on their appointment and reaffirmed his commitment to work closely with them to deliver a shared vision for a strong, transparent, and competitive petroleum sector.
