The senate committee on downstream petroleum regulation has commenced the screening of nominees forwarded by President Bola Tinubu for the leadership of Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory agencies.
The committee is chaired by Kawu Sumaila, senator representing Kano south.
Those scheduled for screening are 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 transmitted to the senate in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which requires legislative approval for the appointment of the chief executives of petroleum regulatory bodies.
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The development follows the resignation of Farouk Ahmed, former chief executive officer of NMDPRA, amid allegations of corruption and heightened public controversy.
Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, also announced Komolafe’s resignation as the chief executive officer of the NUPRC on Wednesday.
Mohammed, an expert in the oil and gas industry, is expected to appear before the committee to present his credentials as part of the confirmation process.
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He previously held senior positions at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), including managing director of Kaduna refining and petrochemical company and group executive director for gas and power.
Eyesan, a former executive vice-president for upstream operations at NNPC, has decades of experience in petroleum economics, strategy and upstream operations.
The committee is expected to submit its report to the senate plenary after the screening for final consideration and confirmation.
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