Senate Committee Warns NMDPRA Nominees Against Frustrating Tinubu’s Reforms

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum, Sumaila Kawu (Kano South), has warned President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for executive director positions in the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) against actions that could undermine the administration’s petroleum reforms.

Kawu gave the warning on Thursday during the screening of the nominees by the Senate Joint Committee on Downstream Petroleum and Gas.

He expressed concern that administrative bottlenecks, inefficiency and deliberate non-compliance by some government agencies were frustrating government policies and eroding public confidence.

Although he did not identify the agencies or provide specific examples, the senator urged the nominees to uphold the law, demonstrate integrity and accountability, and ensure effective implementation of government policies within their respective mandates.

The screening covered seven nominees for executive director positions in finance and accounts, distribution and infrastructure, health and safety, hydrocarbon processing, economic regulation, corporate services, and legal affairs.

Kawu also urged the nominees to consider the impact of petroleum-sector reforms on households and businesses, noting that rising fuel prices had increased the cost of transportation, food and other essential commodities.

He called for practical and sustainable regulatory measures that would help ease the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.