President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Saidu Mohammed, and nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his successor, pending Senate confirmation.
The presidency said the decision forms part of efforts to reposition Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory framework in line with the administration’s economic agenda.
According to an official statement, the move is aimed at “strengthening regulation in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector” under the government’s Renewed Hope programme.
Umar, the nominee, is described as a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience spanning energy, manufacturing and infrastructure, a background officials say positions him to drive reforms in the critical sector.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority plays a central role in overseeing operations across fuel supply, distribution and pricing, making its leadership key to ongoing efforts to stabilise the petroleum industry.
The nomination of Umar will require Senate approval before he can formally assume office.
