The senate committee on petroleum downstream has reassured Nigerians of better legislation to promote sustainable and economic growth in Nigeria through petroleum sector.
The chairman of the committee senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila gave this assurance during a screening exercise of nominees for appointment as executive directors and secretary of the board of National Midstream and downstream petroleum regulatory authority.
He commended the efforts of Mr. President Bola Ahmad Tinubu in moving the sector forward, saying currently the country is navigating in a period of significant economic transition.
Senator Kawu further said the bold reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinibu in the petroleum sector are intended to reposition the industry, strengthen our economy and secure long-term energy and the economic sustainability of our country.
He said while acknowledging the importance of these reforms, we cannot overlook the economic realities confronting the ordinary Nigerian.
“looking at the rising cost of petroleum products and the attendant increase in the cost of transportation, food and other essential commodities are placed considerably fragile on the household and business across the country.”
The chairman explained that the objective of this exercise is to ensure that the right individuals are appointed to the right position and that the leadership of our petroleum sector reflects the interest as the highest interest of professionalism, accountability and public service.
Kawu also said this appointment comes at a defining moment in our nation’s economic journey, urging them to operate strictly within the prohibition of 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 toward alleviating their economic hardship, Regulation must be progressive, transparent, responsive, the policy must be people centered.”
Senator Kawu expressed serious concern over certain unwholesome practices in some government agencies, where administrative work, institutional inefficiency and the deliberate act of non-compliance undermine government policy and programme.
According to him this is frustrating the effort of government and damaging public confidence in its institutions.
“Let me state clearly that some agencies are simply not
helping Mr. President in the actualizing of his vision for the petroleum reform sectors.
This must stop, we will not tolerate administrative sabotage, lack of transparency, inefficiency, or any conduct that undermines effective implementation of government policies.”
You are expected to demonstrate the highest standard of professionalism, integrity and accountability adding that Your primary responsibility is to uphold the law, protect the public interest and faithfully implement the policies and objectives of the federal government within your respective mandates. “
Kawu reminded the nominees that their responsibility is enormous and the expectations of Nigerians are equally high we must collectively work toward unleashing the immense opportunity 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 benefit of our petroleum resources
translates into improving living conditions for Nigerians.”
We must also ensure that our regulatory agency remains independent in the discharge of the statutory responsibility, transparent in their operation and accountable to the Nigerian people.”
He also said the task ahead is challenging, but with patriotism, competence, integrity and unwavering dedication, I am confident that we can build a petroleum sector that will contribute significantly to national development and economic prosperity.
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