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Senate Panel Screens Tinubu’s Nominees for NMDPRA, NUPRC Leadership

The Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources has commenced the screening of nominees forwarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for key leadership positions at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

At the screening session held at the National Assembly, lawmakers assessed the nominees’ professional qualifications, industry experience and understanding of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which governs Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory framework. The exercise is part of the Senate’s constitutional responsibility to ensure transparency, competence and accountability in strategic national institutions.

Committee members questioned the nominees on issues bordering on regulatory efficiency, revenue assurance, local content development, host community relations, and strategies to boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Particular attention was paid to how the nominees plan to address challenges such as crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, pricing transparency, and compliance across upstream, midstream and downstream operations.

The nominees, in their responses, pledged to uphold the provisions of the PIA, strengthen regulatory oversight, and work closely with industry stakeholders to stabilise and grow the sector. They also assured the Senate of their commitment to national interest, professionalism and ethical leadership.

Following the screening, the committee is expected to compile its report and present recommendations to the Senate plenary for confirmation or otherwise. The confirmation of the nominees is seen as crucial to President Tinubu’s broader reforms aimed at repositioning the petroleum sector as a major driver of economic growth and fiscal stability.