Professor Zainab Gobir is a distinguished international energy executive, petroleum regulator, economist, strategic planning specialist, forensic accounting expert, and public sector transformation leader with over twenty-five (25) years of multidisciplinary professional experience spanning energy regulation, economic governance, strategic planning, finance, taxation, digital transformation, institutional reform, and regional economic integration.

She currently serves as the Acting Secretary General of the West Africa Oil and Gas Regulators Forum (WARF) and as the Executive Director, Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning (ERSP), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

In her role at NMDPRA, Professor Gobir provides executive leadership for economic regulation, strategic policy formulation, market intelligence, institutional transformation, investment facilitation, and long-term sector planning within Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum industry. She plays a central role in advancing regulatory effectiveness, strengthening market governance, supporting energy security objectives, and driving implementation of strategic reforms in alignment with Nigeria’s evolving petroleum sector framework.

As Acting Secretary General of WARF, she leads regional initiatives aimed at deepening regulatory cooperation, strengthening institutional capacity, promoting transparency, facilitating knowledge exchange, and supporting the development of integrated, competitive, and sustainable energy markets across West Africa.

Professor Gobir has earned recognition as a transformational leader with a strong track record in building institutions, advancing policy reforms, and delivering strategic outcomes across both public and regional governance platforms. Her expertise spans petroleum regulation, economic regulation, market development, tariff methodologies, digital innovation, public sector modernisation, and regional energy integration.

Academic and Executive Qualifications

Professor Gobir possesses a strong interdisciplinary academic and executive leadership background, including:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Forensic Accounting and Audit

Master of Science (MSc) in Forensic Accounting and Criminal Investigation

Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA), Texas Woman’s University, United States

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, United States

Professional Certification in Innovation, University of Oxford, United Kingdom

International Recognition and Distinguished Honours

Her contributions to leadership, energy governance, and public service have received international recognition, including:

United States Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award

United States Congressional Recognition Award as a Petroleum and Energy Expert, presented by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Honorary Mayor-President, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States

Letter of Commendation from the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria

Professional Fellowships and Memberships

Professor Gobir is affiliated with several leading professional institutions, including:

Fellow, International Institute of Certified Forensic and Investigation Professionals (IICFIP)

Fellow, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN)

Fellow, Chartered Institute of Risk and Loan Management

Fellow, Institute of Human Resource Management

Fellow, Institute of Economists of Nigeria

Member, International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)

Member, Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), United States

Member, Institute of Directors (IoD), United Kingdom

Certified International Financial Reporting Professional (CertIFR)

Certified International Auditor

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Areas of Leadership and Technical Expertise

Petroleum Regulation

Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning

Energy Policy Development

Market Intelligence and Analytics

Tariff Methodologies and Market Design

Consumer and Competition Regulation

Revenue Administration

Strategic Transformation and Governance

Digital Transformation and Innovation

Investment Promotion and Facilitation

Regional Energy Integration and Cooperation

Professor Gobir continues to champion a forward-looking regulatory agenda focused on strengthening institutions, improving market efficiency, enabling investment, and advancing sustainable energy development across Nigeria and the West African region.

Leadership Philosophy

“The next chapter of West African energy will be written by those who choose collaboration over fragmentation.”