The Senate approves 5 executive bills for the Nigerian Petroleum Regulatory Authority

The Senate has confirmed the appointments of five executive directors designated by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The nomination was confirmed after the report of the Petroleum Sector Commission was considered and adopted at Tuesday’s plenary meeting.

Confirmed include: Francis Ogaree, Executive Director of Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Facilities and Transport Infrastructure; and Dr. Mustapha Lamorde, executive director of health, safety, environment and community.

Others include Mansur Kuliya, executive director of midstream and downstream gas infrastructure; Bashir Sadiq, Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration; and Dr. Zainab Gobir, Executive Director of Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning.

Chairman of the Downstream Petroleum Sector Committee, Senator Sabo Mohammed, in his presentation, recalled that the Senate on February 8 considered President Muhammadu Buhari’s motion to confirm the nomination.

He explained that the President’s request was consistent with the provisions of Art. 34 section 3 of the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021.

According to him, the bill empowers the President to appoint board members of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) subject to Senate confirmation.

He said it was a five-year period and they could be reappointed for a second term, but not longer.

Mohammed said the nominees, while appearing before the Selection Committee, answered a wide range of questions regarding the petroleum industry and the measures that need to be taken to reposition the industry for the benefit of the Nigerian economy.

“The nominees answered the questions in an intellectual, substantive and convincing way.

“They have demonstrated a high level of understanding of the challenges, complexities and opportunities inherent in the oil industry.

“Their knowledge and experience will be of great benefit to the Nigerian midstream and downstream petroleum regulator and the oil and gas sector in general,” Mohammed said.

He noted that the Commission had not received any petition opposing their appointments, adding that they were approved by the Nigerian Police Service at the Department of State Services (DSS) and had endorsements of the Code of Conduct.