Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum Regulation has begun the screening of nominees submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for leadership positions in Nigeria’s key petroleum regulatory agencies.
Gatekeepers News reports that the committee, chaired by Kawu Sumaila, senator representing Kano South, is screening Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, nominated as chief executive officer of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan, nominated as chief executive officer of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The nominations were forwarded to the Senate in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which mandates legislative confirmation for the appointment of chief executives of petroleum regulatory bodies.
The screening follows recent leadership changes in the sector. Farouk Ahmed resigned as chief executive officer of the NMDPRA amid allegations of corruption and public controversy, while presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga announced on Wednesday that Gbenga Komolafe also stepped down as head of the NUPRC.
Mohammed, a seasoned oil and gas professional, is expected to defend his nomination before the committee as part of the confirmation process.
He has previously served in senior roles at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), including managing director of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company and group executive director for gas and power.
Eyesan, who previously served as executive vice-president for upstream operations at NNPCL, has decades of experience in upstream petroleum operations, energy strategy, and petroleum economics. She has also been involved in several national energy policy and reform initiatives.
Following the conclusion of the screening exercise, the committee is expected to submit its report to the Senate plenary for final consideration and confirmation.
