ABSTRACT This article provides a broad assessment of the institutional and regulatory framework of the Nigerian oil and gas industry that notably accounts for significant foreign exchange earnings. The article adopts the doctrinal method of research to assemble and analyze relevant literature and legal materials on the roles, responsibilities, challenges and prospects of the institutions and the regulators. The article discovered that the industry's activities impact negatively on the environment, health and social lives of the people resulting in some cases to displacement of oil bearing communities, gas flaring, oil spills and pollution and argues that these pitfalls are result of ineffectiveness of the regulatory institutions. It highlights the need for effective law enforcement and regulation to mitigate the suffering of the host communities and enhance sustainable development. This article discloses that the institutional and regulatory framework of the Nigerian oil and gas industry are indispensable for the industry’s safety and operational effectiveness but need to be strengthened. The article concludes that a viable institutional and regulatory framework is essential for the industry to achieve its full potentials and contribute meaningfully to the country's national economic development with global relevance. It recommends adequate funding, the strengthening of the regulatory frameworks through institutional training and re-training, capacity building, transparency in all the procedures of the oil and gas engagements and activities, accountability to fosters confidence and trust in the process, community concerns and engagement , sustainable development, peaceful cohesion, increased production, environmental protection and safety.