President Tinubu’s Appointments Target Strengthening Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Regulatory Sector
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced 21 new appointments into the governing boards of two critical oil and gas regulatory agencies and has formally requested Senate confirmation to enable them assume office.
The nominations were conveyed to the Nigerian Senate as part of ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to strengthen governance, transparency, and efficiency in the petroleum sector.
The appointments are spread across the boards of:
- Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)
- Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)
Both agencies were established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to oversee Nigeria’s upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas operations.
Among the nominees is former senator Magnus Abe, who was appointed Chairman of the NUPRC Board, alongside several executive and non-executive commissioners with extensive experience in energy regulation, finance, legal services, and corporate administration.
For the NMDPRA, President Tinubu nominated seasoned professionals, including energy and legal experts, to strengthen regulatory oversight in petroleum distribution, pricing, infrastructure, and gas development.
The President urged the Senate to expedite the screening and confirmation process, stressing that the appointments are crucial to stabilising Nigeria’s energy sector and implementing reforms envisioned under the PIA.
Analysts say the appointments signal the administration’s resolve to:
- Improve regulatory efficiency
- Attract foreign and local investment
- Enhance accountability in the oil and gas sector
- Strengthen institutional leadership
If confirmed, the new board members are expected to play a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s petroleum policies and ensuring sustainable energy development.
The Senate is expected to invite the nominees for screening exercises in the coming days before final confirmation.
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