The Senate has cautioned nominees for executive director positions at the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority against actions capable of frustrating the petroleum reforms of the Tinubu administration.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum, Senator Sumaila Kawu, issued the warning during the screening of the nominees by the Senate Joint Committee on Downstream Petroleum and Gas.

Kawu expressed concern that administrative bottlenecks, inefficiency and deliberate non-compliance by some government agencies were slowing the implementation of government policies and weakening public confidence.

He urged the nominees to uphold the law, demonstrate integrity and accountability, and ensure the effective implementation of policies within their respective mandates.

The screening covered seven nominees for executive director positions in finance and accounts, distribution and infrastructure, health and safety, hydrocarbon processing, economic regulation, corporate services and legal affairs.

The senator also asked the nominees to consider the impact of petroleum-sector reforms on households and businesses, noting that rising fuel prices had increased the cost of transportation, food and other essential commodities.

He called for practical and sustainable regulatory measures that would help ease the economic hardship being faced by Nigerians.