President Bola Tinubu has approved the dismissal of the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr Saidu Mohammed, and has nominated Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar to take over the position, pending Senate confirmation.
In a statement shared on Wednesday via the verified X (formerly Twitter) account of presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the presidency confirmed the development.
“President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the removal of Mr Saidu Mohammed as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in the public interest.
The President has also approved the nomination of Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the NMDPRA. The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.”
The statement explained that the action aligns with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and forms part of efforts to improve the performance of the agency.
“This decision, made pursuant to the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement added.
The presidency further described Umar as a highly experienced professional with a long track record across multiple sectors.
“Mr Umar is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors, and a proven track record in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and large-scale project delivery.
He is a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University and an alumnus of Harvard Business School.”
The statement also noted that until the Senate confirms the nominee, the most senior officer in the agency will continue to manage its affairs in an acting capacity.
“Pending Senate confirmation of the new nominee, the most senior official of the NMDPRA will oversee operations in an acting capacity.”
President Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the outgoing head of the agency for his service.
“President Tinubu thanks the outgoing Authority Chief Executive for his service and wishes him well in his future endeavours.
”The President remains committed to ensuring capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to advance energy security, sector reform, and sustainable economic growth.”
