Tinubu Removes NMDPRA Chief, Nominates Rabiu Umar as Replacement

Tinubu Removes NMDPRA Chief, Nominates Rabiu Umar as Replacement

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of Mr Saidu Mohammed as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), citing public interest.

The President also nominated Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the Authority, with the appointment subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The decision, taken in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector, in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Mr Umar, a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience, has worked across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. He is noted for his expertise in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and large-scale project delivery.

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

Pending Senate confirmation, the most senior official of the NMDPRA will oversee the Authority’s operations in an acting capacity.

President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief Executive for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to drive energy security, sector reforms, and sustainable economic growth.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on April 29, 2026.

Tinubu Removes NMDPRA Chief, Nominates Rabiu Umar as Replacement