ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-President Bola Tinubu has approved the removal of the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Mr Saidu Mohammed.
He has also nominated Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the agency, subject to Senate confirmation.
This was disclosed in a State House press release issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
“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,” Onanuga said.
READ ALSO:Dangote Calls For Probe Of NMDPRA Boss
According to the statement, the decision aligns with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and is intended to enhance regulatory efficiency in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Umar is described as an experienced executive with over 25 years of professional experience spanning the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. He holds a degree in Accounting from Bayero University and is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School.
Pending Senate confirmation, the most senior official in the NMDPRA will manage the affairs of the authority in an acting capacity.
The Presidency expressed appreciation to the outgoing chief executive for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours, while reaffirming its commitment to appointing capable leaders in key regulatory institutions.
“The President remains committed to ensuring capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to advance energy security, sector reform, and sustainable economic growth,” the statement added.
The leadership change at the NMDPRA follows the departure of its pioneer Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, who stepped aside in December 2025.
He was subsequently succeeded by Saidu Mohammed, who assumed office as Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA.