President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of Saidu Mohammed as Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and has nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his successor.
This was disclosed on Wednesday, April 29, in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Umar’s appointment, which requires Senate confirmation, brings more than 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors.
The Presidency said the leadership change aligns with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, aimed at strengthening oversight in the sector and enhancing regulatory performance.
The statement added that Umar brings extensive leadership experience, along with a proven track record in driving operational and strategic transformation across multiple industries.
“Mr Umar is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors, and a proven track record in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and large-scale project delivery,” the statement read in part.
The Presidency further stated that Umar holds a degree in Accounting from Bayero University and has attended Harvard Business School.
It added that, pending Senate confirmation, the most senior official at the NMDPRA will serve in an acting capacity to oversee the agency’s operations.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority oversees and regulates activities in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream oil and gas sector, including petroleum processing, distribution, and marketing.
Mohammed’s removal comes barely four months after he took office, succeeding Farouk Ahmed.
Ahmed, who was appointed in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, resigned before the expiration of his tenure, creating the opening for Mohammed’s appointment prior to his recent removal by President Tinubu.
Rabiu Abdullahi Umar has built a career spanning finance, energy, and industrial operations, with experience in both the public and private sectors.
