By Adamu Yusuf
The Senate has cautioned newly appointed Executive Directors of agencies regulating Nigeria’s Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Sector against administrative sabotage, inefficiency and lack of transparency in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The warning was issued on Thursday by the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream during the screening of seven nominees appointed to various executive positions in the sector.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South Senatorial District, urged the nominees to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and accountability in carrying out their duties.
Senator Sumaila warned that administrative bottlenecks, institutional inefficiencies and deliberate acts of sabotage, which have undermined government policies in some public institutions, would not be tolerated under their watch.
He stressed that the nominees must ensure strict adherence to the law, protect public interest and faithfully implement the policies and objectives of the Federal Government within their respective areas of responsibility.
According to him, any attempt to sabotage public institutions or frustrate government policies amounts to undermining the country’s future and economic prosperity.
The committee chairman acknowledged that the responsibilities ahead of the nominees would be challenging but expressed optimism that patriotism, competence, integrity and unwavering commitment would enable them to deliver on their mandates.
He further emphasised the need for the nominees to contribute towards building a petroleum sector capable of supporting national development and strengthening Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
The seven nominees were forwarded to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu last week for screening and confirmation. They include 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, nominated as Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installation, 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 Senate committee maintained that transparency, accountability and commitment to public service must remain central to the nominees’ conduct as they prepare to assume responsibilities in the country’s Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Sector.
Editing by Khadija Kubau
