President Tinubu Removes NMDPRA CEO Saidu Mohammed, Nominates Successor
On Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced that Saidu Mohammed has been removed as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The decision was described as being taken “in the public interest” and in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021.
Reasons Behind the Removal
The Presidency stated that the change forms part of the Tinubu administration’s broader agenda to strengthen regulatory efficiency and deepen reforms across Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. This effort aligns with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to improve domestic fuel supplies, attract investment, and bolster oversight of midstream and downstream activities.
Appointment of Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as Acting CEO
The statement also revealed that President Tinubu has nominated Mr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar to succeed Mohammed. Umar’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate. Pending that confirmation, the most senior official within NMDPRA will serve in an acting capacity to ensure continuity of operations.
Profile of the Nominee
According to the Presidency, Umar brings more than 25 years of experience in energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure. He holds a degree in Accounting from Bayero University, Kano, and completed executive education at Harvard Business School. His career is noted for strategic leadership, operational transformation, and the delivery of large‑scale projects.
Role of NMDPRA Under the PIA
The NMDPRA is one of the key regulators created by the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 to oversee:
- Licensing of midstream and downstream operations
- Distribution, storage, and transportation of petroleum products
- Price compliance and market surveillance
- Enforcement of health, safety, and environmental standards
The authority’s mandate is critical to stabilizing Nigeria’s petroleum value chain, especially as the government works to curb product shortages and improve revenue collection from the sector.
Government’s Commitment to Sector Reform
President Tinubu thanked outgoing CEO Saidu Mohammed for his service and wished him success in future endeavours. The Presidency reiterated its commitment to placing competent, experienced leaders at the helm of regulatory institutions to advance energy security, drive sector‑wide reforms, and support sustainable economic growth.
Observers note that the leadership transition comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to boost local refining capacity, reduce reliance on imported fuels, and create a more transparent pricing mechanism. The success of these initiatives will largely depend on the effectiveness of regulators like the NMDPRA under renewed leadership.
