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President Bola Tinubu has approved the removal of Saidu Mohammed as Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the presidency announced Wednesday.
The decision was taken “in the public interest,” according to a State House press release signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
“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.
Onanuga said the removal was in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector.
New nominee announced
Tinubu has nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new chief executive of the agency, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
“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,” he noted.
Umar holds a degree in Accounting from Bayero University and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School. He has over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors, the statement said.
Acting arrangement pending Senate confirmation
Pending Senate confirmation of the nominee, the most senior official in the NMDPRA will oversee the affairs of the authority in an acting capacity.
The presidency thanked the outgoing chief executive for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours.
“The President remains committed to ensuring capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to advance energy security, sector reform, and sustainable economic growth,” Onanuga added.
The change in leadership follows the exit of the agency’s pioneer chief executive, Farouk Ahmed, who stepped aside in December 2025. Saidu Mohammed assumed office as his replacement at that time.
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU NOMINATES RABIU ABDULLAHI UMAR AS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF NMDPRA
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… pic.twitter.com/P3FtJC1B3g
— Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON (@aonanuga1956) April 29, 2026
