Gbenga Komolafe has resigned from his position as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, marking a significant leadership change within Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory framework.
His exit occurred alongside the resignation of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, Farouq Ahmed. Ahmed stepped down after corruption allegations were publicly levelled against him by the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote.
Both Komolafe and Ahmed were appointed in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari following the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act, which restructured regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The development was announced on Wednesday by the Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, who said President Bola Tinubu has already nominated replacements for the two positions. According to him, the President has formally written to the Senate, requesting swift consideration and confirmation of the nominees.
“To fill these positions, President Tinubu has written to the Senate, requesting expedited confirmation of Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as CEO of NUPRC and Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as CEO of NMDPRA.
“The two nominees are seasoned professionals in the oil and gas industry,” Bayo said.
The nominations, if confirmed, are expected to ensure continuity in the regulation of Nigeria’s upstream, midstream, and downstream petroleum operations amid ongoing reforms in the sector.
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