President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of Mr Saidu Mohammed as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and nominated Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his successor.
The presidency said the decision, taken in the public interest, is in line with provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector.
Mr Umar’s appointment is, however, subject to confirmation by the Senate. Pending that process, the most senior official of the authority will oversee operations in an acting capacity.
The new nominee is described as a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience spanning the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors, with expertise in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and large-scale project delivery. He holds a degree in Accounting from Bayero University and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief Executive for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours.
The presidency added that the move reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening leadership in key regulatory institutions to enhance energy security, deepen sector reforms, and support sustainable economic growth.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
