The Nigerian Senate has warned regulatory agencies in the petroleum industry against practices that could undermine the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms, threatening action against institutions found engaging in administrative sabotage, inefficiency and lack of transparency.
The warning was issued on Thursday by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream during the screening of seven nominees for executive director positions in the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The committee chairman expressed concern over persistent administrative delays, poor institutional performance and failure by some government agencies to implement approved policies, noting that such practices could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to reposition the petroleum sector.
He said regulatory institutions must support the government’s reform agenda rather than create obstacles to its implementation.
The chairman also urged the nominees to demonstrate integrity, professionalism and accountability, stressing that their appointments came at a critical stage in Nigeria’s economic and energy sector reforms.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts to restructure the petroleum industry, he noted that rising fuel prices had increased pressure on households and businesses through higher transportation costs and the rising prices of food and other essential goods.
He therefore challenged the incoming executives to ensure that regulatory decisions deliver measurable benefits to Nigerians, rather than focus solely on enforcing industry rules.
According to him, regulators must adopt transparent and responsive policies that encourage industry growth while considering the economic realities facing consumers.
He further called on the nominees to improve regulatory oversight, eliminate operational bottlenecks, promote fair competition and attract sustainable investments across the midstream and downstream petroleum value chains.
The committee chairman emphasised that regulatory agencies must maintain independence in carrying out their statutory duties while remaining accountable to the public.
Seven nominees appeared before the committee for confirmation into various executive director positions.
They include Abiodun A. Adeiji, nominated as Executive Director, Finance and Accounts; Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha, Executive Director, Distribution, Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure; and Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community.
Others are Mobolaji Tajudeen Musa, nominated as Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installation and Partnership and Transportation Infrastructure; Ogechukwu Olufunmilayo Modie, Executive Director, Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning; Said Abutalib, Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration; and Jumoke Gafar, Executive Director, Board Secretary and Legal Adviser.
The chairman congratulated nominees who had previously served in the petroleum sector and were reappointed by President Tinubu, expressing optimism that their renewed appointments would lead to improved institutional performance.
He added that the Senate’s screening process was intended to ensure that public office holders possess the necessary qualifications, experience and professional competence to manage critical petroleum institutions.
The committee maintained that effective leadership of regulatory agencies would be essential to improving energy security, strengthening investor confidence and ensuring that the benefits of petroleum sector reforms reach Nigerians.
