Tinubu Removes Saidu Mohammed as NMDPRA Boss, Announces New Appointment

President Bola Tinubu has sacked Saidu Mohammed as head of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), just four months into his tenure.

President Tinubu also nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, subject to Senate confirmation.

According to a statement on Wednesday by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the decision was taken “in the public interest” and in line with provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.

“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,” the statement said.

It added that the move is intended to strengthen regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President also directed that, pending the Senate confirmation of the new nominee, the most senior official of the NMDPRA will oversee operations in an acting capacity.

The statement confirmed that 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.

President Tinubu, according to the statement, also thanked the outgoing Authority Chief Executive for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours.

Onanuga noted that the President remains committed to ensuring capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to advance energy security, sector reform, and sustainable economic growth.