The Senate on Wednesday screened nominees for the chief executive positions of Nigeria’s key oil and gas regulators, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

President Bola Tinubu had forwarded the names of Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan for NUPRC and Engineer Saidu Mohammed for NMDPRA, seeking legislative confirmation. Eyesan is slated to lead the upstream sector, while Mohammed is to oversee midstream and downstream operations.

During the screening by Senate Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream and Downstream) and Gas, both nominees pledged to implement comprehensive reforms, including digitisation of processes, strict contract enforcement, restoration of investor confidence, and accelerated gas development under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Eyesan highlighted Nigeria’s loss of value due to manual processes and poor integration of systems. She emphasized that effective regulation requires accurate data, asset monitoring, and transparent systems, and vowed to deploy the PIA to attract new investments and ensure global competitiveness. With over 33 years at NNPC, Eyesan underscored her experience in stabilizing the sector, resolving disputes with international partners, and facilitating major offshore projects.

Mohammed, a chemical engineering graduate with decades of experience in the gas and petroleum sector, pledged to restore discipline in gas and petroleum supply, enforce quality standards, strengthen local refining, and prioritise domestic energy needs. He emphasized that enforceable contracts and adherence to the Gas Network Code are key to improving supply and investor confidence.

Senator Kawu Sumaila, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), noted that the screening comes at a critical time for Nigeria, as boosting energy production and efficiency is central to economic recovery. Further engagements with the nominees will continue in January, after which the Senate is expected to consider confirmation.

The screening also coincides with preparations for the 2026 national budget presentation and the pending 2025 NDDC budget awaiting legislative review.