Abuja, NIGERIA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of Mr. Saidu Mohammed as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
In a statement released on Wednesday, the President cited “public interest” as the primary reason for the leadership change within the critical energy regulator.
To fill the vacancy, the President has nominated Mr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the NMDPRA. The nomination, made in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, is now pending formal confirmation by the Senate.
Okay News reports that Mr. Umar is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and a graduate of Bayero University, Kano, bringing over 25 years of professional experience in the energy and manufacturing sectors to the role.
Prior to this nomination, Mr. Umar established a track record in operational transformation and large-scale project delivery, skills the administration believes are vital for strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the downstream sector. This move aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on energy security and sustainable economic growth. Until the Senate concludes its screening, the most senior official at the NMDPRA will oversee the agency’s operations in an acting capacity.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, emphasized that the President remains committed to ensuring capable leadership in key institutions to advance sector reforms. The outgoing chief was thanked for his service.
