The Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream has warned seven nominees for executive positions in the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) against administrative sabotage, inefficiency, lack of transparency, and actions capable of undermining the implementation of Federal Government policies.
The warning came on Thursday during the screening of the seven nominees forwarded to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for confirmation.
Among those screened was Mr. Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha, an indigene of Ebem Ohafia in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State and son of the late HRH Eze Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, JP, Paramount Ruler of Ebem Ohafia.
Ukoha was nominated for reappointment as Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure, a position he has held at the petroleum regulatory authority.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Senator Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South Senatorial District, delivered the warning while addressing the nominees at the screening exercise.
Sumaila stressed that the Senate would not tolerate practices within government agencies and parastatals that deliberately frustrate the implementation of government policies through unnecessary administrative bottlenecks, institutional failures or lack of commitment to public service.
“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 declared.
The committee chairman reminded the nominees that their responsibilities extended beyond the day-to-day administration of their respective departments, emphasising that they would be expected to protect public interest, uphold the law and demonstrate accountability in the discharge of their duties.
“You are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and accountability,” Sumaila said.
“Your primary responsibility is to uphold the law, protect the public interest and faithfully implement the policies and objectives of the Federal Government within your respective mandates.”
He further warned that deliberate actions aimed at weakening public institutions or frustrating government programmes could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s economic development.
“Sabotaging public institutions and government policies is ultimately sabotaging the future and economic prosperity of Nigeria,” he added.
While acknowledging the enormous responsibilities awaiting the nominees, Senator Sumaila expressed confidence that they could contribute meaningfully to the transformation of Nigeria’s petroleum industry through patriotism, competence, integrity and dedication to duty.
He noted that an efficient and properly regulated petroleum sector remained essential to the country’s economic growth, energy security and national development.
Seven Nominees Screened by Senate Committee
The nominees presented for screening were:
Abiodun Adeiji – Executive Director, Finance and Accounts.
Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha – Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure.
Mustapha Lamorde – Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community.
Mobolaji Musa – Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installation and Partnership and Transportation Infrastructure.
Ogechukwu Modie – Executive Director, Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning.
Said Abutalib – Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration.
Jumoke Gafar – Executive Director, Board Secretary and Legal Adviser.
President Tinubu had forwarded the nominations to the Senate for legislative consideration and confirmation as part of efforts to strengthen the leadership and regulatory capacity of the NMDPRA.
For Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha, the nomination represents an opportunity to continue his service in a critical segment of Nigeria’s petroleum industry, particularly in overseeing petroleum product distribution, storage facilities and retail infrastructure.
His nomination has also attracted interest in his hometown of Ebem Ohafia, where his late father served as Paramount Ruler.
If confirmed by the Senate, Ukoha is expected to serve another five-year term alongside the other appointed executive directors, subject to the applicable statutory provisions.
The nominees will, however, have to await the completion of the Senate’s confirmation process before their appointments are finalised.
