President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Mr Saidu Mohammed, citing public interest as the basis for the decision.
In a swift move, the President also nominated Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as Mohammed’s replacement, with the appointment subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga. According to the Presidency, the leadership change is in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and is aimed at strengthening regulatory efficiency in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.
The statement further noted that the decision supports the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda by reinforcing institutional capacity in key energy agencies.
Pending the Senate’s confirmation of Umar, the most senior official within the NMDPRA will assume leadership of the Authority in an acting capacity.
Umar is described as a seasoned professional with more than 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. His expertise spans strategic leadership, operational transformation, and large-scale project execution. He holds a degree in Accounting from Bayero University Kano and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief Executive for his service to the nation and wished him success in his future pursuits.
The Presidency reiterated the administration’s commitment to appointing capable leaders in critical regulatory institutions to drive energy security, sector reforms, and sustainable economic growth.