Tinubu removes NMDPRA boss Saidu Mohammed, nominates Rabiu Umar as successor

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

The President has also nominated Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his replacement, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The development was announced in a State House press release issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“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), in the public interest,” the statement read.

According to the presidency, the decision aligns with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Mr Umar is described as a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience spanning the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. He holds a degree in Accounting from Bayero University and is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

Pending his confirmation by the Senate, the most senior official within the NMDPRA will oversee the agency’s operations in an acting capacity.

The Presidency expressed appreciation to the outgoing chief executive for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours, reiterating its commitment to appointing competent leadership in key regulatory institutions.

“The President remains committed to ensuring capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to advance energy security, sector reform, and sustainable economic growth,” the statement added.

The latest leadership change follows the earlier exit of the agency’s pioneer Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, who stepped aside in December 2025. He was subsequently succeeded by Mr Mohammed before his removal.