Senate Warns NMDPS Executive Directors Against Sabotage, Demands Transparency

The Senate has warned newly appointed Executive Directors of agencies regulating Nigeria’s Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Sector (NMDPS) against administrative sabotage, inefficiency and lack of transparency in the discharge of their duties.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), gave the warning on Thursday during the screening of seven nominees appointed to executive positions in the sector.

Sumaila cautioned the nominees against allowing administrative bottlenecks, institutional inefficiencies and deliberate acts of sabotage to undermine government policies and programmes.

He said the Senate would not tolerate practices capable of frustrating the effective implementation of government policies under their watch.

“Under our watch, we will not tolerate administrative sabotage, lack of transparency, inefficiency or any conduct that undermines the effective implementation of government policies.

“You are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and accountability.

“Your primary responsibility is to uphold the law, protect the public interest and faithfully implement the policies and objectives of the federal government within your respective mandates.

“Sabotaging public institutions and government policies is ultimately sabotaging the future and economic prosperity of Nigeria,” he warned.

The committee chairman acknowledged that the task ahead of the nominees was challenging but expressed confidence that patriotism, competence, integrity and dedication would enable them to contribute to the development of the petroleum sector.

He urged them to discharge their responsibilities in ways that would promote national development and economic prosperity.

The seven nominees were forwarded to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu last week for confirmation.

They are Mr Abiodun A. Adeiji, nominated as Executive Director, Finance and Accounts; Mr Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha, Executive Director, Distribution, Systems Storage and Retailing Infrastructure; and Dr Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community.

Others are Mr Mobolaji Tajudeen Musa, Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installation and Partnership and Transportation Infrastructure; Mrs Ogechukwu Olufunmilayo Modie, Executive Director, Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning; Mr Said Abutalib, Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration; and Mrs Jumoke Gafar, Executive Director, Board Secretary and Legal Adviser.

The nominees appeared before the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream for screening as part of the process leading to their confirmation.