President Bola Tinubu has nominated Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new chief executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), replacing Mr Saidu Mohammed.
This decision follows ongoing efforts to restructure the regulatory framework of Nigeria’s midstream and downstream oil sector.
The appointment was announced by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, with the nomination subject to Senate confirmation.
The NMDPRA is responsible for the technical and commercial regulation of petroleum operations, including gas processing, transportation, and retail.
Mr Abdullahi, until his appointment, was the Group Sales and Marketing Director at Dangote Cement, part of the Dangote Group, which has interests in food, cement, energy, and other ventures.
He started his career in Oando Plc and rapidly rose to hold different management roles within the marketing business, and led the Sales and Marketing Transformation plan successfully.
In 2014, he moved to Lafarge Africa as the Energy and Power Director and subsequently managed the Strategy and Business Development portfolio for West Africa, where he led the development and execution of critical projects within Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon. In 2016, he became the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Ashaka Cement Plc and spearheaded the turnaround of the business until his departure in 2019 to join Dangote Industries Ltd as Group Chief Commercial Officer.
A graduate of Accounting from Bayero University, Kano and an Alumnus of Harvard Business School. He is also a member of the Institute of Directors.
According to the Presidency, Mr Abdullahi’s appointment was made pursuant to the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Pending Senate confirmation of the new nominee, the most senior official of the NMDPRA will oversee operations in an acting capacity.
“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,” the statement added.
