The Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum Regulation has commenced the screening of nominees forwarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for leadership positions in Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory agencies.
The committee is chaired by Senator Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South.
Those screened were Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, nominated as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan, nominated as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
The nominations were transmitted to the Senate in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act, which mandates legislative approval for the appointment of chief executives of petroleum regulatory bodies.
The development follows the resignation of Farouk Ahmed, the former Chief Executive Officer of the NMDPRA, amid allegations of corruption and heightened public controversy.
On Wednesday, the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, also announced the resignation of Komolafe as Chief Executive Officer of the NUPRC.
Mohammed, an oil and gas industry expert, is expected to appear before the committee to present his credentials as part of the confirmation process.
He previously held senior positions at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, including Managing Director of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company and Group Executive Director for Gas and Power.
Eyesan, a former Executive Vice-President for Upstream Operations at the NNPC, has decades of experience in petroleum economics, strategy and upstream operations.
The committee is expected to submit its report to the Senate plenary after the screening exercise for final consideration and confirmation.