The Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum Regulation has commenced the screening of nominees forwarded by President Bola Tinubu for leadership positions in Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory agencies.
The committee, chaired by Senator Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South, is conducting the exercise in line with its legislative oversight responsibilities.
Those appearing before the committee 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 pursuant to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which mandates legislative confirmation for the appointment of chief executives of petroleum regulatory bodies.
The screening follows the resignation of the former NMDPRA Chief Executive Officer, Farouk Ahmed, amid allegations of corruption and heightened public controversy.
