Senate warns petroleum agencies against frustrating Tinubu’s reforms

The Senate has warned regulatory agencies in the petroleum industry against actions that could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, threatening to take action against officials found engaging in administrative sabotage, inefficiency and lack of transparency.

The warning was issued on Thursday by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream during the screening of nominees for executive director positions in the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum sector.

The committee chairman expressed concern over alleged administrative delays, poor performance and deliberate refusal by some government agencies to implement approved policies.

“Some agencies are simply not helping Mr President in the actualisation of his vision for the petroleum sector. This must stop,” he said.

He stressed that the Senate would not allow any conduct capable of weakening public institutions, frustrating government policies or reducing public confidence in the petroleum industry.

“Under our watch, we will not tolerate administrative sabotage, lack of transparency, inefficiency or any conduct that undermines the effective implementation of government policies,” he added.

The chairman said any attempt to undermine government institutions and policies could damage Nigeria’s economic prospects and future development.

He urged the nominees to demonstrate professionalism, honesty, accountability and dedication to national service, noting that their appointments came at a crucial time in the country’s economic transition.

He acknowledged that Tinubu’s petroleum sector reforms were designed to strengthen the industry, improve the economy and ensure long-term energy sustainability.

However, he pointed out that the increasing prices of petroleum products had placed additional pressure on households and businesses, particularly through higher transportation costs and rising prices of food and other essential goods.

He, therefore, challenged the nominees to ensure their regulatory decisions provide practical benefits to Nigerians and help reduce the economic difficulties facing citizens.

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

He further stated: “Regulation must not be punitive; rather, it must be progressive, transparent, responsive and people-centred.”

According to him, the nominees would play important roles in determining the country's energy security, attracting investments, promoting competition and protecting public interests.

He urged them to address institutional weaknesses, improve regulatory supervision, encourage fair competition and create an environment that would attract sustainable investments across the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.

Senate warns petroleum agencies against frustrating Tinubu’s reforms