The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointments of Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Saidu Mohammed as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The confirmations followed the screening of both nominees by the Senate Joint Committees on Petroleum (Upstream, Downstream, and Gas). The report of the screening was presented on Friday by Senator Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South and chairs the joint committees.
Sumaila said the committees carried out a thorough screening process, including interactive sessions to assess the nominees’ qualifications, professional competence, and responses to lawmakers’ questions. He noted that the committees were satisfied with their credentials and performance, and therefore recommended their confirmation.
The Senate approved the nominations after the report was subjected to a voice vote during the Committee of the Whole, presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who declared the outcome in favour of the nominees.
Jibrin commended Senator Kawu Sumaila and members of the joint committees for completing the screening within a very short timeframe, describing their efforts as diligent and commendable. He also congratulated the newly confirmed CEOs and urged them to serve Nigeria with dedication and integrity.
The confirmations come days after the former CEO of NMDPRA, Farouq Ahmed, resigned following allegations of corruption levelled against him by businessman Aliko Dangote. Similarly, Gbenga Komolafe also stepped down as CEO of NUPRC, paving the way for the new appointments.
