Tinubu Seeks Confirmation of Six NMDPRA Executive Directors

By Adedapo Adesanya

President Bola Tinubu has nominated six executive directors for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), including three returning officials and three new appointees, subject to Senate confirmation.

The nominations were conveyed to the Senate in a letter requesting expedited consideration to ensure institutional continuity and strengthen the regulatory authority’s oversight capacity.

The three nominees being reappointed are Abiodun Adeniji as Executive Director, Finance and Accounts; Mr Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha as Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure; and Mr Mustapha Lamorde as Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community.

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

According to a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, all six nominees will serve five-year terms if confirmed by the Senate.

President Tinubu has also approved the appointment of Jumoke Gafar as Secretary to the Board/Authority and Legal Adviser, subject to the completion of statutory procedures under Section 46 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The latest appointments follow the President’s appointment of Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as Chief Executive of the NMDPRA in April 2026.

The nominations are part of efforts to strengthen the leadership and institutional capacity of the authority responsible for regulating Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.