Senate Begins Screening Of Tinubu’s Nominees For NMDPRA And NUPRC Leadership Roles

The exercise is being conducted by the committee chaired by Senator Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South Senatorial District. Those appearing before the lawmakers include Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, nominated as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan, nominated as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

The nominations were forwarded to the Senate in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, which requires legislative screening and approval before chief executives of petroleum regulatory agencies can assume office.

The screening follows recent changes in the leadership of the agencies, including the resignation of Farouk Ahmed as Chief Executive Officer of the NMDPRA amid allegations of corruption and public controversy. In a related development, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga had earlier announced the resignation of Komolafe as Chief Executive Officer of the NUPRC.

Mohammed, an experienced oil and gas professional, is expected to present his qualifications and vision for the agency during the screening. His career includes senior roles at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, where he served as Managing Director of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company and as Group Executive Director for Gas and Power.

Eyesan, who previously held the position of Executive Vice-President for Upstream Operations at the NNPC, brings decades of expertise in petroleum economics, strategy and upstream operations to the nomination.

Following the conclusion of the screening exercise, the committee is expected to submit its findings to the Senate plenary for final consideration and possible confirmation of the nominees.