Senate Warns NMDPRA Nominees Against Undermining Tinubu’s Petroleum Reforms

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum, Mr Sumaila Kawu, has warned President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for executive director positions at the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) against actions that could undermine the administration’s petroleum sector reforms.

Mr Kawu gave the warning on Thursday during the screening of seven nominees by the Senate Joint Committee on Downstream Petroleum and Gas.

He expressed concern that administrative bottlenecks, inefficiency and deliberate non-compliance by some government agencies were frustrating government policies and eroding public confidence.

Although he did not identify the agencies involved or provide specific examples, the senator urged the nominees to uphold the law, demonstrate integrity and accountability, and ensure effective implementation of government policies within their respective mandates.

The screening covered seven executive director positions in finance and accounts, distribution and infrastructure, health and safety, hydrocarbon processing, economic regulation, corporate services, and legal affairs.

Mr Kawu also urged the nominees to consider the impact of petroleum sector reforms on households and businesses, noting that rising fuel prices had increased the cost of transportation, food and other essential commodities.

He called for practical and sustainable regulatory measures to help ease the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.

Last month, President Tinubu on Friday nominated six executive directors for the agency.

The nominations comprised three reappointments and three new nominees, all of whom will serve five-year terms upon confirmation.

According to a letter from the President to the Senate dated October 30, 2026, the three renominated executive directors are Mr Abiodun Adeniji, Executive Director for Finance and Accounts; Mr Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director for Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure; and Dr Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director for Health, Safety, Environment and Community.

The three new nominees are Mr Mobolaji Musa, nominated as Executive Director for Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installations and Transportation Infrastructure; Ms Ogechukwu Modie, nominated as Executive Director for Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning; and Mr Said Abutalib, nominated as Executive Director for Corporate Services and Administration.