Kawu Sumaila Warns Petroleum Sector Nominees Against Inefficiency, Administrative Sabotage

By Bashir Mayere, Abuja

The Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream has reassured Nigerians of its commitment to enacting better legislation that will promote sustainable development and economic growth in Nigeria through the petroleum sector.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila, gave the assurance during the screening exercise of nominees for appointment as Executive Directors and Secretary of the Board of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

He commended the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in moving the sector forward, noting that the country is currently navigating a period of significant economic transition.

Senator Kawu further stated that the bold reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the petroleum sector are aimed at repositioning the industry, strengthening the economy and securing long-term energy and economic sustainability for the country.

While acknowledging the importance of the reforms, he said the economic realities confronting ordinary Nigerians cannot be overlooked.

“Looking at the rising cost of petroleum products and the attendant increase in the cost of transportation, food and other essential commodities, households and businesses across the country are considerably placed in a fragile position.”

The Chairman explained that the objective of the screening exercise is to ensure that the right individuals are appointed to the right positions and that the leadership of the petroleum sector reflects the highest standards of professionalism, accountability and public service.

Kawu also noted that the appointments come at a defining moment in the nation’s economic journey, urging the nominees to operate strictly within the provisions of the law while demonstrating innovation, compassion and a strong sense of responsibility in the discharge of their duties.

“Beyond the enforcement of regulation, you must explore practical and sustainable measures to mitigate the impact of these reforms on citizens and contribute meaningfully towards alleviating their economic hardship.

Regulation must be progressive, transparent and responsive, while policies must be people-centred.”

Senator Kawu expressed serious concern over certain unwholesome practices in some government agencies, where administrative bottlenecks, institutional inefficiency and deliberate acts of non-compliance undermine government policies and programmes.

According to him, these practices are frustrating government efforts and damaging public confidence in its institutions.

“Let me state clearly that some agencies are simply not helping Mr. President in the actualisation of his vision for the petroleum reform sector.

“This must stop. We will not tolerate administrative sabotage, lack of transparency, inefficiency or any conduct that undermines the effective implementation of government policies.”

He charged the nominees to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and accountability, adding that their primary responsibility is to uphold the law, protect the public interest and faithfully implement the policies and objectives of the Federal Government within their respective mandates.

Kawu reminded the nominees that their responsibilities are enormous and the expectations of Nigerians are equally high, stressing the need for collective efforts towards unlocking the immense opportunities across the midstream and downstream petroleum value chain.

“We must strengthen energy security, eliminate inefficiency, encourage healthy competition, attract sustainable investment and ensure that the benefits of our petroleum resources translate into improved living conditions for Nigerians.

“We must also ensure that our regulatory agency remains independent in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities, transparent in its operations and accountable to the Nigerian people.”

He further stated that although the task ahead is challenging, he remains confident that patriotism, competence, integrity and unwavering dedication will help build a petroleum sector that contributes significantly to national development and economic prosperity.