President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated six executive directors for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), asking the Senate to confirm their appointments as part of efforts to strengthen leadership and regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
The nominations were conveyed to the Senate in a letter from the President, according to a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The six nominees comprise three officials being reappointed to their positions and three new nominees. If confirmed by the Senate, they will serve five-year terms.
Tinubu has urged lawmakers to consider the nominations promptly, citing the need to maintain institutional continuity and improve the authority’s capacity to regulate the midstream and downstream petroleum industries.
Full List of Tinubu’s Six NMDPRA Nominees
The nominees and their proposed positions are:
1. Abiodun Adeniji — Executive Director, Finance and Accounts
Adeniji is among the officials nominated for another term. He is expected to oversee financial management and accounting responsibilities within the authority.
2. Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha — Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure
Ukoha has also been renominated. His portfolio covers distribution systems, storage facilities and retail infrastructure across the petroleum supply chain.
3. Dr Mustapha Lamorde — Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community
Lamorde is the third returning nominee. His proposed responsibilities include regulatory matters relating to health, safety, environmental protection and community concerns in the industry.
4. Mobolaji Tajudeen Musa — Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installations and Transportation Infrastructure
Musa is among the new nominees. His proposed role covers petroleum processing facilities, installations and transportation infrastructure.
5. Ms Ogechukwu Modie — Executive Director, Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning
Modie is another new nominee. The portfolio involves economic regulation and strategic planning within the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.
6. Said Abutalib — Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration
Abutalib completes the list of new nominees. His proposed responsibilities include corporate services and administrative functions within the authority.
Three Returning Directors, Three New Nominees
The nominations combine continuity in the authority’s leadership with new appointments to key regulatory positions.
Adeniji, Ukoha and Lamorde are being considered for renewed terms, while Musa, Modie and Abutalib are new nominees for the executive director positions.
The Senate’s confirmation will determine whether the six individuals can formally take up the appointments for the proposed five-year period.
The process is part of the statutory arrangements governing appointments to the authority, which plays a central role in regulating Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum operations.
Tinubu Also Approves Appointment of Board Secretary
In a related development, the President has approved the appointment of Mrs Jumoke Gafar as Secretary to the Board and Authority, as well as Legal Adviser.
The appointment remains subject to the statutory procedures stipulated under Section 46 of the Petroleum Industry Act.
The development follows the appointment of Engr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the authority’s chief executive in April.
What the Appointments Mean for Nigeria’s Petroleum Sector
The NMDPRA is responsible for regulating important aspects of Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum industries, including activities involving petroleum products, infrastructure, distribution and related commercial operations.
The agency’s work is significant to the functioning of the domestic fuel market, the development of petroleum infrastructure and compliance with applicable industry standards.
The new nominations are expected to strengthen the authority’s leadership structure, subject to Senate confirmation.
Attention will now turn to the Senate’s consideration of the nominees and the eventual completion of the appointment process.
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