President Bola Tinubu has sent six nominees for executive director positions at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to the Senate for confirmation. The nominees include three serving executive directors seeking reappointment and three new nominees. This move aims to ensure continuity and enhance the regulatory authority's oversight capacity in Nigeria's midstream and downstream petroleum operations.
The three serving executive directors nominated for reappointment are Abiodun Adeniji, Executive Director, Finance and Accounts; Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha, Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure; and Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community. Their reappointment is subject to Senate confirmation. If confirmed, they will serve a five-year tenure.
Three new nominees have also been selected for executive director positions at the NMDPRA. Mobolaji Tajudeen Musa is being considered for the position of Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installations and Transportation Infrastructure. Ogechukwu Modie has been nominated as Executive Director, Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning, while Said Abutalib is nominated as Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration.
The President's spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the nominations and stated that the appointments would take effect for a five-year tenure upon confirmation by the Senate. Tinubu has urged the upper legislative chamber to give the nominations prompt consideration to guarantee institutional continuity and enhance the regulatory authority's oversight capacity.
In addition to the executive director nominees, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Jumoke Gafar as Secretary to the Board/Authority and Legal Adviser of the NMDPRA. However, her appointment is subject to the completion of statutory procedures prescribed under Section 46 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The NMDPRA plays a crucial role in regulating Nigeria's midstream and downstream petroleum operations, including gas processing, transportation, storage, distribution, and petroleum product supply. The regulatory authority's responsibilities are vital to ensuring the smooth operation of the petroleum industry in Nigeria.
The latest nominations come months after Tinubu appointed Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the chief executive of the regulatory agency in April. The appointments are expected to strengthen the NMDPRA's regulatory capacity and ensure continuity in the petroleum industry.
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 nominees.
- The appointments aim to guarantee institutional continuity and enhance the regulatory authority's oversight capacity.
