Tinubu seeks Senate affirmation of seven NMDPRA nominees

President Bola Tinubu has requested the Senate to display screen and ensure seven nominees for appointment as government administrators and Secretary of the Board of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The President’s request was conveyed in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and skim throughout plenary on Tuesday.

Tinubu mentioned the nominations have been made in accordance with Sections 41(2) and 41(3) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.

Three nominees listed for reappointment

Among the nominees introduced for reappointment are Abiodun Adeniji as Executive Director, Finance and Accounts; Ogbugo Ukoha as Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure; and Dr Mustapha Lamorde as Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community.

The three nominees have been listed alongside 4 others proposed for brand new appointments to totally different positions throughout the regulatory authority.

Four nominated for brand new positions

The President nominated Mobolaji Musa as Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installation and Partnership.

Others are Ms Ogechukwu Modie as Executive Director, Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning, and Said Abutali as Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration.

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

Tinubu expressed confidence that the Senate would give the nominations expeditious consideration and ensure the nominees for appointment.

Senate refers nominations to committees

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

The committees have been directed to scrutinise the nominations and report again to the Senate inside one week.

The affirmation course of will decide whether or not the seven nominees safe the Senate’s approval to occupy the respective positions within the NMDPRA.