Nigerian Senate yesterday confirmed five executive directors of the newly established Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The nominees were confirmed consideration and adoption of a report by the Committee on Downstream Petroleum Sector at plenary yesterday.
The executive directors include Francis Ogaree, executive director, hydrocarbon processing plants, installations and transportation infrastructure; and Dr. Mustapha Lamorde, executive director, health, safety, environment and community.
Others are Mansur Kuliya, executive director, midstream and downstream gas infrastructure; Bashir Sadiq, executive director, corporate services and administration; and Dr. Zainab Gobir, executive director, economic regulations and strategic planning.
President Muhammadu Buhari had in a memo on February 8, requested the Senate to consider and confirm the nominees. The chairman of the Downstream Petroleum Sector Committee, Sen. Sabo Mohammed, in his presentation said the President’s request was in accordance with the provisions of Section 34(3) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
He noted that the Act empowers the President to make appointments into the board of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) subject to the confirmation of the Senate.
The tenure of the executive directors is for five years after which they might be reappointed for a second term, and thereafter no more.
Mohammed said that the nominees while appearing before the Committee for screening, responded to a wide range of questions regarding the oil and gas sector.
“The nominees responded to the questions asked in an intellectual, factual and convincing manner. They exhibited a high-level understanding of the challenges, complexities and opportunities inherent in the Petroleum Industry.
“Their knowledge and experiences will be of great benefit to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the oil and gas sector in general,” Senator Mohammed said.
He said there were no petitions against the nominees, adding that they had been cleared by the security agencies, including Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and posses the Code of Conduct Acknowledgment slips.
By Chidi Ekpewerechi
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