President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted the names of six nominees for executive director positions at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to the Senate for confirmation. This move was announced in a State House press release issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The nominations include three serving executive directors seeking reappointment and three new appointees.
The three nominees seeking reappointment are Abiodun Adeniji, Executive Director of Finance and Accounts; Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha, Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure; and Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director of Health, Safety, Environment and Community. They are expected to serve five-year terms if confirmed. The new nominees are Mobolaji Tajudeen Musa for Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installations and Transportation Infrastructure; Ogechukwu Modie for Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning; and Said Abutalib for Corporate Services and Administration.
President Tinubu has requested the Senate to consider the nominations expeditiously to ensure continuity in the authority’s operations and strengthen its regulatory oversight. The NMDPRA oversees regulatory activities in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors, including petroleum processing, transportation, storage and distribution. The authority plays a crucial role in regulating the petroleum industry.
The appointments come months after Tinubu appointed Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the agency’s chief executive in April. This move is part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework of the petroleum industry. The nominees will assume their respective positions following the completion of the required confirmation and appointment procedures.
In a related move, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Jumoke Gafar as Secretary to the Board/Authority and Legal Adviser, subject to the completion of the statutory procedures under Section 46 of the Petroleum Industry Act. This appointment is also expected to enhance the authority’s operations and regulatory capabilities.
The NMDPRA was established to ensure effective regulation of the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors. The authority is responsible for issuing licenses, permits and authorizations for various petroleum-related activities. Its role is critical in ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
The Senate will review the nominations and conduct any necessary screening before confirming the nominees. Once confirmed, they will serve five-year terms as executive directors of the NMDPRA. The authority’s leadership will be strengthened with the addition of new and reappointed executive directors.
Key points
- President Tinubu has forwarded six nominees for executive director positions at the NMDPRA to the Senate for confirmation.
- The nominees include three serving executive directors seeking reappointment and three new appointees.
- The Senate is expected to consider the nominations expeditiously to ensure continuity in the authority’s operations.
