KEY POINTS
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The Senate has begun screening President Tinubu’s nominees to lead the NMDPRA and NUPRC in line with the Petroleum Industry Act
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The process follows the resignation of the former heads of both regulators amid controversy and reform pressures
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Lawmakers say the confirmation will be key to restoring confidence and strengthening governance in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector
Nigeria’s Senate has commenced the screening of nominees forwarded by President Bola Tinubu for the leadership of the country’s key petroleum regulatory agencies – the NMDPRA and the NUPRC – a process that comes amid heightened scrutiny of the oil and gas sector following recent resignations at the top of the regulators.
The exercise is being conducted by the Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum Regulation, chaired by Kawu Sumaila, the senator representing Kano South. Lawmakers are considering the nominations of Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as chief executive officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as chief executive officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
The nominations were transmitted to the upper chamber in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, which mandates Senate confirmation for the appointment of chief executives of petroleum regulatory institutions. The law was designed to strengthen oversight, transparency and accountability across Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain.
At the opening of the screening, committee members said the process would focus on the nominees’ professional competence, integrity and understanding of the reforms envisaged under the Petroleum Industry Act. One lawmaker described the exercise as “a critical step in restoring confidence in the regulatory framework of the petroleum sector”.
Resetting leadership after resignations
The screening follows the resignation of Farouk Ahmed as chief executive officer of the NMDPRA, after allegations of corruption and growing public controversy surrounding the agency’s operations. The presidency also confirmed the exit of Gbenga Komolafe as head of the NUPRC, signalling a broader leadership reset at the apex of petroleum regulation.
A statement from the presidency said the changes were intended to “strengthen governance, improve regulatory effectiveness and align the sector with the administration’s reform agenda”. The development has drawn attention from industry players and civil society groups, many of whom have called for greater transparency in licensing, pricing and revenue remittances.
Mohammed, who is seeking confirmation to lead the NMDPRA, is regarded as a seasoned industry professional. He is expected to appear before the committee to present his credentials and policy outlook for the midstream and downstream segments, which cover refining, gas processing, transportation and petroleum product distribution.
He previously held senior roles at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, including managing director of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company and group executive director for gas and power. During his preliminary engagement with lawmakers, he said his focus would be on “stabilising supply, enforcing regulatory compliance and supporting investments that reduce Nigeria’s dependence on fuel imports”.
Eyesan, nominated to head the NUPRC, brings decades of experience in upstream operations, petroleum economics and strategy. A former executive vice-president for upstream operations at NNPC, he has been involved in crude oil production management, field development planning and contract administration.
Addressing senators, Eyesan said the upstream regulator must remain independent and data-driven, noting that “Nigeria’s production growth and revenue stability depend on a predictable regulatory environment that balances national interest with investor confidence”.
The committee is expected to conclude the screening in the coming days and submit its report to the Senate plenary for final consideration and confirmation. Lawmakers have indicated that the outcome will be closely watched, given the sector’s central role in government revenues and foreign exchange earnings.
Industry analysts say the appointments will shape how effectively Nigeria implements the Petroleum Industry Act at a time when oil revenues remain under pressure from theft, infrastructure constraints and global market volatility.
