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By Lizzy Chirkpi
President Bola Tinubu has approved the removal of the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Saidu Mohammed, and nominated Mr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his replacement, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory framework.
According to a State House press release issued on April 29, 2026, the President said the decision to relieve Mohammed of his duties was taken “in the public interest.”
The statement also confirmed that Umar’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate.
“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 presidency stated.
Until the confirmation process is concluded, the most senior official within the authority will oversee operations in an acting capacity.
Umar, described as a seasoned professional, brings over 25 years of experience spanning 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.”
A graduate of Accounting from Bayero University, Kano, Umar is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School.
President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing chief executive for his service, stating that he “thanks the outgoing Authority Chief Executive for his service and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”
The statement reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening key institutions, adding that the President “remains committed to ensuring capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to advance energy security, sector reform, and sustainable economic growth.”