President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, Saidu Mohammed, and nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his replacement, subject to Senate confirmation.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the Presidency, the removal of Mohammed was carried out “in the public interest” and in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
The statement said the decision forms part of the Tinubu administration’s broader efforts to strengthen regulatory efficiency and deepen reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“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 said.
The NMDPRA is one of the key regulatory agencies established under the Petroleum Industry Act to oversee operations in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors, including licensing, distribution, storage, transportation and pricing compliance.
The leadership change comes at a time the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to stabilise the petroleum industry, improve domestic supply, attract investments and strengthen regulatory oversight in the sector.
The Presidency described Umar as a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience spanning the energy, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.
According to the statement, he has built a reputation in strategic leadership, operational transformation and execution of large-scale projects.
Umar is a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University, Kano, and also attended Harvard Business School.
Pending his confirmation by the Senate, the Presidency said the most senior official within the NMDPRA would oversee the affairs of the agency in an acting capacity.
President Tinubu also commended the outgoing chief executive, Saidu Mohammed, for his service to the country and wished him success 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,” the statement added.
Industry stakeholders are expected to closely monitor the transition at the NMDPRA, given the strategic role of the agency in implementing reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act and supervising critical aspects of Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain.
