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Simultaneous Exit at Upstream Regulator
In a parallel move, Gbenga Komolafe has also resigned as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Both Ahmed and Komolafe were appointed in 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari to lead the twin regulatory bodies established by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
President Seeks Senate Approval for New Appointments
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally written to the Senate, requesting accelerated confirmation of new chief executives to fill the vacant positions at both agencies.
According to the Presidency, the nominations are aimed at ensuring continuity and strengthening regulatory oversight across Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
New Nominee for NUPRC
Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan has been nominated as the new CEO of the NUPRC. An Economics graduate of the University of Benin, Eyesan brings nearly 33 years of experience from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and its subsidiaries.
She retired in 2024 as Executive Vice President, Upstream, having previously served as Group General Manager, Corporate Planning and Strategy between 2019 and 2023.
Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed Tipped for NMDPRA
President Tinubu has nominated Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as CEO of the NMDPRA. Born in 1957 in Gombe State, Mohammed earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University in 1981.
He was also announced on Wednesday as an independent non-executive director at Seplat Energy.
Extensive Industry Experience
Mohammed has held several senior positions across Nigeria’s energy sector, including Managing Director of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company and Nigerian Gas Company.
He has chaired the boards of the West African Gas Pipeline Company, Nigeria LNG subsidiaries, and NNPC Retail, and previously served as Group Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Gas & Power.
His portfolio includes leadership roles in landmark initiatives such as the Gas Masterplan, Gas Network Code, and policy contributions to the Petroleum Industry Act.
Major Projects Under His Watch
Engineer Mohammed played a key role in the delivery of strategic national infrastructure projects, including the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline Expansion, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, and the Nigeria LNG Train projects.
