President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for the leadership of Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory agencies have pledged to implement sweeping reforms aimed at stabilising the sector, restoring investor confidence, and maximising national revenue.

The nominees, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Engineer Saidu Mohammed for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), made the commitments during their screening by the Senate on Wednesday.

The screening followed President Tinubu’s formal request to the Senate seeking confirmation of the appointments, barely 24 hours after the resignation of former NMDPRA chief executive Farouk Ahmed amid corruption allegations, and the exit of his NUPRC counterpart, Gbenga Komolafe. Both officials were appointed in 2021 following the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

While Eyesan is set to replace Komolafe at the upstream regulator, Mohammed will take over leadership of the midstream and downstream authority.

Senate Screening Sparks Reactions

The screening generated excitement among lawmakers, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), who openly welcomed the leadership changes during the session.

The nominees were jointly screened by three Senate committees: Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Petroleum Resources (Upstream), and Gas. During the engagement, both nominees outlined reform strategies centred on digitisation, contract enforcement, transparency, revenue protection, gas development, and regulatory discipline across the value chain.

Digitisation Central to Effective Regulation — Eyesan

Eyesan told senators that digitisation and real-time data management would be critical to reforming Nigeria’s upstream oil sector. She warned that manual regulatory processes have resulted in significant value losses and weakened oversight.

“We are still largely manual while the world is moving at jet speed. Without digitisation and real-time data, you cannot truly understand what you are regulating, and you will continue to lose money,” she said.

She stressed the importance of collaboration among regulators, operators, and policymakers, describing the PIA as a “valuable document” capable of unlocking Nigeria’s oil and gas potential if fully implemented.

Eyesan highlighted her extensive industry experience, including nearly 33 years at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), where she retired as Executive Vice President, Upstream. She also recalled her role in resolving international investment disputes, signing Nigeria’s first non-associated gas development contract, and supporting increased crude oil production from 1.3 million to 1.8 million barrels per day.

“Having worked as an operator and participated in resource development, I have the competence to regulate the industry and ensure we maximise the opportunities before us,” she said.

Mohammed Promises Discipline in Gas and Fuel Supply

Mohammed, nominee for the midstream and downstream sector, assured senators that he would restore discipline across Nigeria’s gas and petroleum supply systems through strict enforcement of contracts and quality standards.

“Gas is not a favour; it is a commodity. It must be sold on enforceable contracts from producers to end-users,” he said.

He noted that weak contractual frameworks have contributed to persistent gas shortages, particularly in the power sector, and pledged to enforce the Gas Network Code to restore order and attract investors.

Mohammed also warned against neglecting domestic refining and processing capacity, cautioning that the sector could collapse like Nigeria’s textile industry if not protected. While emphasising the importance of exports, he stressed that domestic energy security must remain the priority.

He further pledged to revive pipeline transportation of petroleum products, attract large-scale investments in gas infrastructure, and strengthen quality assurance through in-house testing facilities.

A chemical engineering graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Mohammed has previously served as Managing Director of the Nigerian Gas Company, Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, and Group Executive Director for Gas and Power at NNPC. He also played key roles in major national gas pipeline projects.

Energy Efficiency Key to Economic Recovery — Senate

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Senator Sumaila, said the screening was taking place at a critical time for Nigeria, noting that improved energy production and efficiency are central to economic recovery.

He added that further engagements with the nominees would continue in January before the Senate considers the committees’ reports and proceeds with confirmation at plenary.