President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for the leadership of Nigeria’s oil and gas regulators have assured the Senate that they will implement comprehensive reforms to stabilise the sector. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan and Engineer Saidu Mohammed, appointed as chief executives of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) respectively, appeared before senators on Thursday for confirmation screening.
The appointments follow the recent resignations of Farouk Ahmed of NMDPRA and Gbenga Komolafe of NUPRC, who were both appointed in 2021 after the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was enacted. Eyesan is set to replace Komolafe at NUPRC, while Mohammed will succeed Ahmed at NMDPRA.
During their screening, the nominees outlined plans to digitise regulatory processes, enforce contracts, restore investor confidence, and accelerate gas development. Eyesan emphasised that modernising oversight through technology and reliable data management is crucial to halting revenue leakages and improving efficiency in the upstream sector. She cited her 33-year experience at NNPC, where she helped boost crude oil production and signed Nigeria’s first non-associated gas development contract, as evidence of her capacity to lead reforms.
Mohammed, addressing the midstream and downstream sector, highlighted the need to restore discipline in gas and petroleum supply chains. He stressed strict enforcement of contracts, quality standards, and the Gas Network Code, warning that neglecting local refining and processing capacity could replicate failures similar to Nigeria’s collapsed textile industry. He also pledged to revive pipeline transportation, attract investment for gas infrastructure, and enhance quality assurance through in-house laboratory facilities.
Senator Sumaila, chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), noted that the screening occurs at a critical time for Nigeria’s energy sector and economic recovery. He said further engagements would continue in January, with the next stage involving plenary consideration and confirmation of the nominees.
President Tinubu is expected to present the 2026 budget proposal to a joint session of the National Assembly today, following submission of the 2025 NDDC budget earlier this month.
The new appointments signal a strategic push to strengthen governance, enhance efficiency, and unlock Nigeria’s oil and gas potential under the Petroleum Industry Act.
