The Nigerian Senate has approved the appointments of Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Saidu Mohammed as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The confirmations, made on Friday, followed a screening process by the Senate Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream, Downstream and Gas) and were in line with provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
President Bola Tinubu had forwarded the nominations to the Senate on 18 December, seeking legislative approval as required by law. Sections 11(3) and 34(3) of the PIA empower the President to appoint the chief executives of the two agencies for an initial five-year term, renewable once, subject to Senate confirmation.
Presenting the joint committee’s report, Chairman Senator Kawu Sumaila stated that the nominees underwent rigorous screening, including interactive sessions where lawmakers assessed their professional qualifications, industry experience and vision for the regulatory bodies.
Satisfied with their competence and responses, the committee recommended confirmation of both appointments. The Senate then moved into the Committee of the Whole, adopted the report and approved the nominations through voice votes without dissent.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, praised the joint committee for its thorough and prompt work despite the tight timeline. He congratulated the new chief executives and urged them to approach their roles as a national call to service.
“You have been entrusted with critical responsibilities in our petroleum sector. We expect you to discharge your duties with diligence and patriotism, advancing Nigeria’s interests and strengthening regulatory oversight,” Barau said.
The NUPRC oversees upstream activities including exploration, licensing and production, while the NMDPRA regulates midstream and downstream operations such as refining, distribution, pricing and retail.
The appointments complete the leadership structure of the two agencies established under the landmark Petroleum Industry Act, which replaced the former Department of Petroleum Resources and aimed to enhance transparency, attract investment and improve efficiency in Africa’s largest oil-producing nation.
