By Fatima Saka
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of Mr. Saidu Mohammed as the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), appointing Mr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his replacement, subject to Senate confirmation.
The decision, announced in a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday, was made in the public interest and in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
According to the presidency, the leadership change is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector, a critical component of the administration’s reform agenda.
Umar, the new nominee, brings over 25 years of experience spanning the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. He is recognised for his expertise in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and the delivery of large-scale projects.
An accounting graduate of Bayero University Kano and an alumnus of Harvard Business School, Umar is expected to drive reforms that align with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in enhancing energy security and sector efficiency.
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Pending his confirmation by the Senate, the most senior official at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority will oversee the agency’s operations in an acting capacity.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing chief executive for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours, reiterating his administration’s commitment to appointing competent leadership across key regulatory institutions to foster sustainable economic growth.
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