The Nigerian Senate has warned petroleum sector regulatory agencies against administrative sabotage, inefficiency and lack of transparency, declaring that it would not tolerate any action capable of frustrating President Bola Tinubu's reforms in the industry. Senator Abdulrahman Sumaila, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, gave the warning on Thursday while screening and confirming seven nominees for executive director positions in the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
Sumaila expressed concern over alleged administrative bottlenecks, institutional inefficiencies and deliberate non-compliance with government policies in some agencies and parastatals. "Some agencies are simply not helping Mr President in the actualisation of his vision for the petroleum sector. This must stop," he said. He warned that the Senate would not tolerate practices that could undermine government policies, weaken public institutions or erode public confidence, and said such actions could damage Nigeria's economic prospects.S1S2
The committee chairman acknowledged that the reforms were designed to reposition the industry, strengthen the economy and ensure long-term energy sustainability. He noted, however, that rising petroleum product prices had increased the financial burden on households and businesses, particularly through higher transportation costs and food prices. He urged the nominees to explore practical measures to mitigate the impact of the reforms on citizens, adding, "Regulation must not be punitive; rather, it must be progressive, transparent, responsive and people-centred."S1
Sumaila told the nominees that their responsibilities extended beyond routine administration, as their decisions would affect energy security, investment, competition and the welfare of Nigerians. He urged them to eliminate inefficiencies, strengthen regulatory oversight, encourage healthy competition and attract sustainable investment across the midstream and downstream petroleum value chains, while maintaining independence and accountability in discharging their statutory duties.S1
