Tinubu Removes NMDPRA Chief, Picks Rabiu Umar As Replacement

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has relieved the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Saidu Mohammed, of his position.

The President has consequently nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar to take over the leadership of the agency, pending confirmation by the Senate.

The decision was announced in a statement on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who noted that the removal was carried out in the public interest.

According to the Presidency, the action aligns with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and forms part of broader efforts to reposition the regulatory body for improved performance and efficiency in the petroleum sector.

Umar, who has been tapped for the role, brings more than two decades of professional experience across the energy, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. He is an Accounting graduate of Bayero University and an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

In the interim, the most senior official within the NMDPRA will assume leadership of the agency in an acting capacity until the Senate concludes the confirmation process.

The Presidency commended Mohammed for his service to the country and reiterated its commitment to strengthening key institutions through the appointment of competent leadership to drive reforms, enhance energy security and support economic development.