The Senate has confirmed the appointments of Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Saidu Mohammed as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The confirmations followed the consideration of a report by a joint committee chaired by Senator Abdulrahman Kawu.

The development comes amid leadership changes in the petroleum regulatory agencies after the resignation of the former NMDPRA chief, Farouk Ahmed, and the exit of Gbenga Komolafe as head of the NUPRC. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said President Bola Tinubu subsequently wrote to the Senate, requesting the expedited confirmation of Eyesan and Mohammed.

According to the Presidency, both nominees are “seasoned professionals” with extensive experience in the oil and gas industry.

Ahmed resigned following corruption allegations made by the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, who petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). In the petition, submitted through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, Dangote accused the former NMDPRA chief of corruption and financial impropriety, alleging that Ahmed lived beyond his means.