BREAKING: NMDPRA, NUPRC Chiefs Resign Amid Dangote Corruption Claims

President Bola Tinubu has initiated a fresh reorganisation of Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory architecture following the resignation of the chief executives of two strategic petroleum agencies, PulseNets learnt.

The President has formally approached the Senate, requesting confirmation of new leadership for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), PulseNets obtained.

Separate letters conveying the request were transmitted to the Red Chamber on Wednesday, shortly after the exit of the agencies’ current heads. The move signals a significant leadership transition within Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory institutions.

Farouk Ahmed has stepped down as Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, while Gbenga Komolafe also resigned his position as Chief Executive of the NUPRC, PulseNets reported.

Both officials were appointed in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari after the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), a landmark legislation that overhauled Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and led to the creation of the two regulatory bodies.

In his correspondence to the Senate, President Tinubu nominated new candidates to assume leadership of the agencies. The nominees are expected to undergo statutory screening and confirmation by the Senate before taking office, in line with constitutional requirements.

Also Read: Oil Cabal: FG settles Dangote, NNPC, NMDPRA

The Presidency confirmed the development, noting that the leadership changes are aimed at strengthening governance and ensuring continuity in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, PulseNets learnt.

Further details are expected as the Senate commences deliberations on the nominations in the coming days.