President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded six nominees to the Senate for appointment as executive directors of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), as part of efforts to strengthen the agency’s operations and regulatory responsibilities.
Naija News reports that the nominations were conveyed to the Senate through an official letter from the President.
The development was disclosed on Friday in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
According to the statement, the six nominees comprise three serving executive directors whose appointments have been renewed and three new individuals selected to occupy other positions within the regulatory agency.
Tinubu explained that all six nominees would serve a five-year tenure, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
Among those nominated for another term is Abiodun Adeniji, who is expected to retain his position as Executive Director of Finance and Accounts.
Also included in the list is Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha, whose position as Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure has been renewed.
The third returning nominee is Dr Mustapha Lamorde, who currently oversees the agency’s Health, Safety, Environment and Community department as Executive Director.
Meanwhile, three fresh appointments have been proposed to fill other executive director positions within the organisation.
Mobolaji Tajudeen Musa has been nominated as Executive Director of Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installations and Transportation Infrastructure.
Similarly, Ms Ogechukwu Modie has been selected for the position of Executive Director of Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning.
The third new nominee, Said Abutalib, is expected to assume responsibility as Executive Director of Corporate Services and Administration, following the Senate’s approval.
President Tinubu has called on the upper legislative chamber to give the nominations prompt consideration to prevent disruptions in the agency’s operations.
The President noted that completing the confirmation process would help maintain administrative stability, preserve institutional knowledge and improve the authority’s ability to carry out its regulatory functions.
In another development, Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mrs Jumoke Gafar as Secretary to the Board and Authority, as well as Legal Adviser to the NMDPRA.
However, her appointment remains subject to the completion of the necessary statutory procedures outlined in Section 46 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The latest nominations come months after the President appointed Engr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as Chief Executive of the NMDPRA in April.
The authority plays a significant role in regulating Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors, including activities involving the transportation, storage, distribution and marketing of petroleum products.
The proposed appointments are expected to reinforce the agency’s management structure and support its responsibility for supervising activities across the country’s petroleum industry.
