President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Saidu Mohammed, and has nominated Mr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his successor, pending Senate confirmation.

The decision was announced in a statement released on Wednesday via the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, which stated:“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the removal of Mr. Saidu Mohammed as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in the public interest.

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.

”According to the presidency, the action aligns with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and is intended to reposition the regulatory agency for more effective performance.

“This decision, made pursuant to the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement added.

The presidency described Umar as a seasoned professional with extensive experience across multiple sectors.

“Mr. Umar is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors, and a proven track record in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and large-scale project delivery.

He is a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University and an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

”It was further noted that pending Senate confirmation of the nomination, the most senior official within the authority will take charge of operations in an acting capacity.

“Pending Senate confirmation of the new nominee, the most senior official of the NMDPRA will oversee operations in an acting capacity.”

President Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the outgoing chief executive for his service.

“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.”