Tinubu Nominates Magnus Abe as NUPRC Chairman, Seeks Senate Confirmation
Abuja — President Bola Tinubu has nominated former senator representing Rivers South-East Magnus Abe , as Chairman of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
The nomination follows the resignation of Gbenga Komolafe who had been serving as the pioneer chief executive of the commission. The president has forwarded Abe’s name to the Senate for screening and confirmation in line with statutory requirements.
In a letter to the upper legislative chamber, President Tinubu said the nomination was made pursuant to the provisions of the **Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which governs the establishment and operations of the NUPRC as the regulator of Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.
Magnus Abe is a former lawmaker with experience in legislative oversight and public policy, particularly in areas related to energy and governance. His nomination comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, as the government continues efforts to boost crude oil production, attract investment and strengthen regulatory oversight.
The NUPRC plays a key role in supervising exploration and production activities, issuing licences, enforcing compliance and ensuring transparency in the upstream petroleum sector.
The Senate is expected to commence Abe’s screening in the coming days, after which lawmakers will decide whether to confirm the appointment.
If confirmed, Abe will assume leadership of the commission amid ongoing reforms aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and revenue generation in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
