President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the names of six nominees to the Senate for confirmation as executive directors of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in a move aimed at strengthening the agency’s leadership and regulatory operations.
The nominations comprise three serving executive directors proposed for another term and three new appointees, with each expected to serve a five-year tenure upon confirmation.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, who said the nominations had been formally transmitted to the National Assembly.
Among the returning officials is Abiodun Adeniji, nominated to continue as Executive Director of Finance and Accounts.
Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha was also nominated as Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure, while Mustapha Lamorde was nominated to oversee Health, Safety, Environment and Community.
The three new nominees are expected to assume responsibilities across other strategic departments of the petroleum regulatory agency.
Mobolaji Tajudeen Musa has been nominated as Executive Director of Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installations and Transportation Infrastructure.
Ogechukwu Modie is proposed as Executive Director of Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning, while Said Abutalib has been nominated as Executive Director of Corporate Services and Administration.
Tinubu urged lawmakers to give the nominations prompt consideration, emphasising the importance of maintaining continuity in the authority’s operations.
According to the presidency, the appointments are intended to improve the agency’s administrative effectiveness and strengthen its ability to carry out regulatory responsibilities within Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
The NMDPRA oversees activities in the midstream and downstream segments of the sector, including petroleum processing, transportation, storage, distribution and retail operations.
Its responsibilities also extend to regulatory compliance, economic oversight and safety standards across the relevant segments of the industry.
In a related development, the President approved the appointment of Jumoke Gafar as Secretary to the Board/Authority and Legal Adviser of the NMDPRA.
However, the appointment remains subject to the completion of statutory requirements outlined in Section 46 of the Petroleum Industry Act.
The latest nominations follow the appointment of Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as chief executive of the authority in April.
Together, the appointments form part of the administration’s efforts to consolidate the leadership structure of the petroleum regulator.
The proposed executive directors will be responsible for supervising departments central to the authority’s operational and administrative functions.
Their confirmation would also provide continuity in departments where existing officials have been nominated for another term, while introducing new leadership in other areas.
The Senate is expected to consider the nominations as part of its constitutional oversight responsibilities.
Until the confirmation process is completed, the six nominees remain presidential appointees awaiting legislative approval.
Ezeana Emmanuel
