Oshiomhole Hails Exit of Farouk Ahmed, Gbenga Komolafe

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

Senator and former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has welcomed the resignation of Engr. Farouk Ahmed and Mr Gbenga Komolafe from Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory leadership, describing their exit as vital to the nation’s economic future.

Speaking during the Senate screening of President Bola Tinubu’s nominees for chief executive positions at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Oshiomhole said he celebrated the departures, adding that “anyone who opposes job creation in Nigeria while preferring importation does not deserve to live”.

The remarks were made as the Senate considered Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan and Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed for the top regulatory roles, following the resignation of the 2021 appointees amid controversies over policies perceived to favour fuel importation over local refining.

Oshiomhole criticised the former leadership, arguing that sustainable job creation can only come from supporting domestic, labour-intensive industries rather than reliance on imports. He urged the new nominees to act in the national interest and protect Nigerian workers and local refineries.

Senator David Jimkuta, who represents Taraba South, supported Oshiomhole’s position and joined in welcoming the leadership changes, while pressing the nominees to clearly outline their reform agenda and rebuild public confidence.

Oshiomhole also commended President Tinubu for what he described as decisive action, saying it had renewed hope for Nigerians whose livelihoods depend on the petroleum sector.