Reps com’tt passes vote of confidence in NMDPR leadership, says reforms are working

The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), led by its Chief Executive, Mallam Rabiu Abdullahi Umar, expressing confidence in the ongoing reforms and efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector.

The committee’s decision underscores its recognition of the importance of effective regulation, transparency, accountability and sustained stakeholder engagement in building a more efficient, competitive and sustainable petroleum industry.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the lawmakers emphasised that sustained collaboration between the National Assembly and relevant regulatory agencies remains critical to the effective implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the protection of consumer interests and the promotion of a stable and competitive petroleum market.

The committee acknowledged the need for continued reforms to address prevailing challenges in the sector, improve operational efficiency, attract investment and strengthen public confidence in petroleum regulation.

While commending the NMDPRA leadership for its engagement with the legislature, the committee reaffirmed its commitment to providing effective legislative oversight to ensure that the authority fulfil its statutory responsibilities in the overall interest of Nigerians.

It further stressed that constructive engagement between the legislature and the regulatory authority would enhance accountability, deepen institutional cooperation and support efforts to build a more transparent, efficient and sustainable petroleum industry.

The committee called on relevant stakeholders to sustain their cooperation in advancing reforms that promote national economic growth, protect consumers and improve service delivery across the petroleum value chain.

It reiterated its readiness to work closely with the NMDPRA and other relevant institutions to address emerging concerns, strengthen regulatory effectiveness and ensure that the benefits of ongoing reforms translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.