Tinubu Seeks Senate Confirmation of Seven NMDPRA Nominees

President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to screen and confirm seven nominees for appointment and reappointment to key management positions at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The request was conveyed in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read during plenary on Tuesday, November 10.

In the letter, Tinubu said the nominations were made in accordance with Section 41(2) and (3) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.

Three of the nominees are serving executive directors proposed for reappointment. They are Abiodun Adeniji, Executive Director of Finance and Accounts; Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure; and Dr Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director of Health, Safety, Environment and Community.

The four nominees proposed for new appointments are Mobolaji Musa, nominated as Executive Director of Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installation and Partnership; Ogechukwu Modie, Executive Director of Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning; and Said Abutali, Executive Director of Corporate Services and Administration.

Jumoke Gafar was nominated as Secretary of the Board and Legal Adviser.

Tinubu urged the Senate to consider and confirm the nominees expeditiously to enable them to assume their respective responsibilities.

Following the presentation of the presidential letter, Akpabio referred the nominations to the Senate Committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and Petroleum Resources (Gas) for further legislative consideration.

The committees were directed to examine the nominations and submit their reports to the Senate within one week.

The confirmation process will determine whether the nominees receive the Senate’s approval to occupy the proposed positions.

The NMDPRA is responsible for regulating Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors, including petroleum product processing, transportation, storage, distribution and supply.