In a dramatic Senate session, lawmakers openly celebrated the exit of two top petroleum sector regulators, framing their removal as a critical step for Nigeria's economic survival. The event unfolded on Thursday during the screening of new chief executives for the country's key oil and gas regulatory bodies.
Senators Openly Celebrate Regulatory Shake-Up
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, did not mince words. He revealed he had celebrated the resignation of Engineer Farouk Ahmed, the former head of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and Mr. Gbenga Komolafe, the former Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
"I celebrated it last night," Oshiomhole stated bluntly. "It needed to be done. And I'm still going to drink tonight because of their removal." His colleague, Senator David Jimkuta representing Taraba South, aligned with this sentiment, promising to join in the celebration while posing tough questions to the incoming nominees.
Policy Choices Over Competence
The screening was conducted by the Joint Committee on Upstream, Midstream, Downstream, and Gas. President Bola Tinubu had forwarded the names of Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as CEO of the NUPRC and Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as CEO of the NMDPRA for confirmation. These appointments followed the resignations of the former chiefs, who were appointed in 2021 under the Petroleum Industry Act.
Oshiomhole shifted focus from individual qualifications to policy direction. While acknowledging the professional CV of nominee Saidu Mohammed, the former labour leader emphasized the core issue. "Looking at your CV, you are qualified. But the issue for me is not qualification. It is your policy choices," he asserted.
He launched a sharp critique of the "shameful policy choices" of the outgoing leadership, which he claimed deliberately stifled local refining in favor of imports. "Everywhere in the world, nation-states deliberately protect local industries, not because they like the owners, but because they want to create jobs," Oshiomhole argued.
A Call for National Interest Over Importation
Oshiomhole connected the sector's policies directly to national welfare and job creation. He lamented that despite numerous refinery licences being issued, previous regulations undermined domestic production. "Jobs will not be achieved by weeping for the jobless. It is by supporting businesses, particularly manufacturers like refineries," he stated.
He issued a stern warning to the new nominees: "Anyone who is opposed to jobs being created in Nigeria, who prefers importation, importing products here and exporting our wealth abroad, has no business managing this sector." He urged them to be guided by what benefits Nigerian workers, engineers, and families, not just commercial interests.
Senator Jimkuta echoed the demand for change, pressing the nominees with direct questions: "I want you to tell us here clearly: what are you going to tell my children? What will you do differently? What exactly is your criticism of the existing system, and how do you intend to correct the attitude and impressions Nigerians have formed?"
Oshiomhole concluded by commending President Tinubu for the decisive action, stating it had renewed hope for many Nigerians dependent on the sector. The session highlighted a clear Senate mandate for the new regulators to pivot towards policies that actively promote local refining and industrial growth.
