The Senate has cautioned regulatory agencies in Nigeria’s petroleum sector against actions that could hinder the successful implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, warning that inefficiency, lack of transparency and administrative sabotage will not be tolerated.
The warning was issued on Thursday by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Senator Abdulrahman Sumaila, during the screening and confirmation exercise for seven nominees seeking executive director positions at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Sumaila expressed concern over what he described as bureaucratic bottlenecks, institutional inefficiencies and deliberate disregard for government policies within some agencies and parastatals.
According to him, certain institutions have failed to support the Federal Government’s efforts to transform the petroleum industry and strengthen the economy.
“We will not tolerate administrative sabotage, lack of transparency, inefficiency or any conduct that undermines the effective implementation of government policies,” the senator stated.
He stressed that actions capable of weakening public institutions, frustrating government initiatives or eroding public confidence could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s economic development.
Addressing the nominees, Sumaila urged them to uphold professionalism, integrity and accountability, noting that their appointments come at a crucial period in the nation’s economic and energy sector reforms.
He acknowledged that the administration’s petroleum sector reforms were intended to reposition the industry, stimulate economic growth and promote long-term energy sustainability. However, he observed that increased petroleum product prices have placed additional financial pressure on households and businesses through rising transport fares and higher costs of essential goods.
The lawmaker therefore encouraged the nominees to ensure that regulation delivers tangible benefits to citizens and contributes to easing economic hardship.
“Regulation must not be punitive; it should be progressive, transparent, responsive and people-centred,” he said.
Sumaila further emphasised that the responsibilities of the nominees extend beyond routine administration, as their decisions will directly influence energy security, investment, competition and the welfare of Nigerians. He urged them to eliminate inefficiencies, strengthen regulatory oversight, promote healthy competition and attract sustainable investments across the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.
The senator also underscored the importance of maintaining regulatory independence while remaining accountable and transparent to the public.
The seven nominees screened by the committee are Abiodun A. Adeiji for Executive Director, Finance and Accounts; Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha for Executive Director, Distribution, Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure; Mustapha Lamorde for Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community; Mobolaji Tajudeen Musa for Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installation and Partnership and Transportation Infrastructure; Ogechukwu Olufunmilayo Modie for Executive Director, Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning; Said Abutalib for Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration; and Jumoke Gafar for Executive Director, Board Secretary and Legal Adviser.
Concluding the exercise, Sumaila congratulated returning nominees who were reappointed by President Tinubu and expressed optimism that their renewed mandates would translate into stronger commitment and improved performance in the sector.
He noted that the screening process forms part of the Senate’s constitutional duty to ensure that nominees for public office possess the qualifications, competence, experience and integrity required to effectively serve the nation.
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