Tinubu Appoints Umar as NMDPRA’s CEO

President Bola Tinubu has approved the nomination of Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

Umar’s appointment follows the removal of Saidu Mohammed as the CEO of NMDPRA.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said the removal of Mohammed was carried out in the public interest.

According to Onanuga, Umar’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate.

He added that the decision, taken in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, is intended to enhance regulatory effectiveness 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 spanning the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors, with a strong record of strategic leadership, operational transformation, and delivering large-scale projects.

He holds a degree in Accounting from Bayero University and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

Pending the nominee’s Senate confirmation, Onanuga stated that the most senior official within the NMDPRA will oversee operations in an acting capacity.

Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing NMPRA’s CEO for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours.

The statement added that the President remains committed to ensuring competent leadership in key regulatory institutions to promote energy security, sector reforms, and sustainable economic growth.