The Senate has actually confirmed the nominations of 5 Executive Director-nominees of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The confirmation of the nominees followed the factor to consider of a report by the Committee on Downstream Petroleum Sector.

Those confirmed include Francis Alabo Ogaree, Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installations and Transportation Infrastructure; and Dr. Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community.

Others are Mansur Kuliya, Executive Director, Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure; Bashir Sadiq, Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration; and Dr. Zainab Gobir, Executive Director, Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning.

Chairman of the Downstream Petroleum Sector Committee, Senator Sabo Mohammed (Jigawa South-West), in his presentation, recalled that the Senate on Tuesday, 8th February 2022, thought about President Muhammadu Buhari’s request for the verification of the nominees.

He discussed that the President’s demand remained in accordance with the arrangements of Section 34( 3) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.

According to the lawmaker, the Act empowers the President to make consultations into the board of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) based on the verification of the Senate for a duration of 5 (5) years and might be reappointed for a 2nd term and no more.

Senator Mohammed said that the candidates while appearing before the Committee for screening, reacted to a wide variety of questions concerning the Petroleum Industry and measures that must be required to rearrange the market for the benefit of the Nigerian economy.

“The candidates reacted to the concerns asked In an intellectual; persuading and accurate way.

“They displayed a high-level understanding of the opportunities, challenges and complexities intrinsic in the Petroleum Industry.

“Their understanding and experiences will be of terrific benefit to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the oil and gas sector in basic”, Mohammed said.

He revealed that the Committee did not get any petition against their elections, adding that they were cleared by the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and possess the Code of Conduct Acknowledgment slips.

The 5 Executive Director-nominees were confirmed by the Senate after consideration of the report by the Committee on Petroleum Downstream Sector.