Nigeria's Senate has warned seven newly appointed executive directors in the country's midstream and downstream petroleum sector against administrative sabotage, corruption, inefficiency and a lack of transparency. The warning was issued on Thursday, 12 November, during the screening of the nominees, who were put forward by President Bola Tinubu.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South, told the nominees that the Senate would not tolerate conduct capable of undermining government policy in the petroleum industry. The nominees are to serve as executive directors of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the body that regulates refining, distribution and retailing of petroleum products.

Seven nominees screened

The seven nominees screened by the committee were Abiodun Adeniji, nominated as executive director for finance and accounts; Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha, for distribution, systems storage and retailing infrastructure; and Mustapha Lamorde, for health, safety, environment and community.

The others were Mobolaji Tajudeen Musa, for hydrocarbon processing plants, installation and partnership and transportation infrastructure; Ogechukwu Olufunmilayo Modie, for economic regulation and strategic planning; Said Abutalib, for corporate services and administration; and Jumoke Gafar, as board secretary and legal adviser.

Sumaila said the screening was part of the Senate's constitutional duty to satisfy itself that nominees for public office had the qualifications, experience and integrity to carry out their duties. He charged the seven to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and accountability, and to put the public interest first in implementing government policy.

Warning against sabotage

Sumaila cautioned that administrative bottlenecks, institutional inefficiencies and deliberate acts of sabotage had undermined the work of some government agencies and must not be allowed to continue under the new directors.

"Under our watch, we will not tolerate administrative sabotage, lack of transparency, inefficiency or any conduct that undermines the effective implementation of government policies," he said.

He added: "Sabotaging public institutions and government policies is ultimately sabotaging the future and economic prosperity of Nigeria."

Why the warning matters

The committee chairman said the petroleum sector reforms introduced by President Tinubu were designed to reposition the industry, strengthen the economy and secure long-term energy sustainability. He said he was confident that patriotism, competence, integrity and dedication from the nominees would help the industry contribute more to national economic development.

At the same time, he acknowledged the difficulties facing the sector. Rising petroleum prices have increased the financial burden on households and businesses, and the committee said it expected the regulator's new leadership to help make the system work better for ordinary Nigerians rather than adding to the bottlenecks.

The warning comes as the Senate continues to scrutinise appointments across the petroleum sector, one of the most important parts of Nigeria's economy. The regulator's decisions affect fuel supply, pricing, safety and investment, and the committee made clear that it will hold the new directors to the standards set out at their screening.

Sources: ThisDay; TheNigerian