The Nigerian Senate has officially given its stamp of approval to the appointments of two key figures who will steer the nation's vital petroleum regulatory bodies. This confirmation, which took place on December 19, 2025, marks a significant step in implementing the structures envisioned by the landmark Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Key Appointments for a Reformed Sector
Following a thorough screening process, the upper legislative chamber confirmed Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Simultaneously, Saidu Mohammed was confirmed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). These appointments were made by President Bola Tinubu and forwarded to the Senate for the necessary legislative consent as required by law.
The Path to Confirmation
The confirmation exercise was not a mere formality. The Senate's decision was based on the detailed report from its Joint Committee on Petroleum (Upstream, Downstream and Gas). This committee, chaired by Senator Kawu Sumaila, conducted an extensive screening of the nominees on December 18, 2025.
Senator Sumaila outlined the legal framework, noting that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 established the NUPRC and NMDPRA. The Act empowers the President to appoint their chief executives, subject to Senate confirmation, for a term of five years which can be renewed.
The joint committee held interactive sessions with the nominees, assessing their:
- Professional qualifications and competence
- Understanding of the sector's challenges
- Responses to questions from lawmakers
Satisfied with their expertise and performance, the committee recommended confirmation. The Senate subsequently dissolved into the Committee of the Whole, where lawmakers unanimously approved the nominations through a voice vote.
A Call to National Service
Presiding over the plenary, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau commended the joint committee for completing a thorough job within a limited timeframe. He then directly addressed the newly confirmed chief executives.
Barau congratulated them but emphasized that their appointments represent a call to national service. He urged both individuals to discharge their duties with diligence, focusing on promoting Nigeria's interests and strengthening the petroleum sector. The Deputy Senate President also expressed confidence that the committee's work would enhance regulatory efficiency and oversight in the country's critical oil and gas industry.
This confirmation paves the way for the new CEOs to fully assume leadership of their respective agencies, with the expectation of driving transparency, efficiency, and growth in line with the objectives of the PIA.
