By Gold Jeremiah
President Bola Tinubu has approved the removal of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Saidu Mohammed, and nominated Mr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his replacement.
The development was disclosed in a State House press release issued on April 29, 2026, in which the President said the decision to relieve Mohammed of his duties was taken “in the public interest.”
The presidency stated that Umar’s nomination is subject to confirmation by the Senate, in line with provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
“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 said.
Pending Senate confirmation, the most senior official within the authority is expected to oversee operations in an acting capacity.
Umar was described as a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. The presidency noted that he has a proven track record in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and large-scale project delivery.
He is a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University, Kano, and an alumnus of Harvard Business School.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing chief executive for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours.
The statement further reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening key institutions, noting that the President remains focused on ensuring capable leadership in regulatory agencies to promote energy security, deepen reforms in the sector, and support sustainable economic growth.
