The Senate has confirmed Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The confirmations were completed on Friday, December 19, 2025, within 24 hours of President Bola Tinubu’s request following expedited screenings by the joint Senate committees on Petroleum Resources and Gas.
The appointments fill leadership gaps created by the resignations of Engineer Farouk Ahmed as NMDPRA chief and Mr. Gbenga Komolafe as NUPRC chief earlier that week.
President Tinubu transmitted letters requesting urgent confirmation of the nominees on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, emphasising the need for continuity and stability in the petroleum sector.
Eyesan brings more than 30 years of experience in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, having served in senior roles at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, including Executive Vice President, Upstream, and Group General Manager for Corporate Planning and Strategy.
She pledged to strengthen regulatory oversight, drive digitisation of processes, and attract investment under the Petroleum Industry Act.
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Mohammed, a Chemical Engineer with extensive experience in midstream and downstream operations, has led the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, the Nigerian Gas Company, and held senior roles at NNPC.
He said he would focus on enhancing contract enforcement, boosting domestic refining capacity, and reinforcing investor confidence while ensuring operational stability in pipelines and fuel distribution.
The swift confirmations were welcomed by industry observers, who said regulatory certainty is essential for investor confidence and sector efficiency.
Analysts expect the new leadership to advance reforms, strengthen compliance, and reinforce governance across Nigeria’s petroleum industry.