President Tinubu removes NMDPRA boss, approves replacement
President Tinubu removes NMDPRA boss, nominates replacement
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Saidu Mohammed, citing public interest.
The President also nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the Authority, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the decision is in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act and aimed at strengthening regulatory efficiency in the oil and gas sector.
According to the statement, the move aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly efforts to enhance institutional capacity in key energy-sector agencies.
“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 read.
Umar, the nominee, is described as a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors, with expertise in strategic leadership and project delivery.
He is a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University Kano and an alumnus of Harvard Business School.
The Presidency said the appointment is part of broader efforts to reposition Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory framework for improved performance and sustainability.
