Tinubu Replaces Buhari-Era Oil Regulators, Nominates New Chiefs for Senate Approval
By Erewunmi Peace
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major leadership shake-up in Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory sector, following the resignation of two top regulators appointed under the previous administration.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, have both stepped down from their positions.
The resignations mark the end of their tenure, which began in 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, following the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
In response, President Tinubu has forwarded the names of Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as the new Chief Executive Officer of the NUPRC and Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the NMDPRA to the Senate for confirmation, in line with statutory requirements.
The leadership change comes amid growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory framework and renewed efforts by the Tinubu administration to reposition the oil and gas sector for efficiency, transparency, and increased investment.
If confirmed by the Senate, the new appointees are expected to oversee key reforms in Nigeria’s upstream and downstream petroleum operations at a time of heightened public and industry attention.
