By Naomi Sharang

The Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream has charged newly-appointed executive directors of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to uphold transparency and accountability in discharging their responsibilities.

The ​‌‌​​‍‍‍⁠⁠‍‍‌‌‌‌⁠⁠⁠‌​committee gave the charge during a screening session for seven nominees forwarded to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu for appointment to key positions in the petroleum sector and confirmation.

Chairman of the committee, Sen. Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), said administrative bottlenecks, institutional inefficiency and deliberate sabotage had undermined government policies in some agencies and parastatals, thereby weakening institutional performance.

Sumaila said such practices would not be tolerated under the committee’s watch, urging the nominees to demonstrate professionalism, integrity and accountability in carrying out their respective mandates at all times.

He said that their primary responsibility was to uphold the law, protect public interest and faithfully implement Federal Government policies and objectives within their areas of responsibility and statutory mandates.

“Sabotaging public institutions and government policies is ultimately sabotaging Nigeria’s future and economic prosperity,” he warned, stressing the need for responsible conduct across the petroleum sector and its agencies.

Sumaila acknowledged the fact that the task before the nominees was challenging, but expressed confidence that patriotism, competence, integrity and dedication would help them succeed in their assignments and deliver results.

He said that their contributions would support efforts to build a petroleum sector capable of contributing significantly to Nigeria’s national development and economic prosperity through effective regulation and sound administration nationwide.

The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the nominees include Abiodun Adeniji, Executive Director, Finance and Accounts; Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director, Distribution, Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure; and Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community.

Others are Mobolaji Musa, Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installation and Partnership and Transportation Infrastructure; Ogechukwu Modie, Executive Director, Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning; and Said Abutalib as Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration.

Jumoke Gafar was nominated Executive Director, Board Secretary and Legal Adviser, thus completing the list of seven nominees whose names were forwarded to the senate last week for screening.(NAN)

NNL/WAS

Edited by ‘Wale