Tinubu Removes NMDPRA Boss, Nominates Rabiu Umar as Replacement

President Bola Tinubu has approved the removal of Saidu Mohammed as the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his replacement, with the announcement made on Wednesday through a State House statement.

The Presidency said Umar’s nomination will be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation, while the most senior official in the agency will oversee operations in acting capacity pending the completion of that process.

According to the statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the decision was taken in line with the Petroleum Industry Act and forms part of efforts to strengthen leadership in the country’s petroleum regulatory system.

The change affects the agency responsible for regulating activities in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors, including areas tied to distribution, supply and industry oversight.

Umar, the nominee for the position, is said to bring more than two decades of experience from the energy, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. His background in accounting and executive training were also cited as part of the credentials behind his nomination.

The Presidency said the leadership change is aimed at improving the effectiveness of regulation in the sector as the government continues pursuing reforms in the oil and gas industry.

The statement also thanked the outgoing chief executive, Saidu Mohammed, for his service during his time in office and wished him well in future engagements.

Mohammed assumed the role after the departure of the agency’s pioneer chief executive, Farouk Ahmed, who left office in December 2025. His exit now opens another leadership transition at the regulatory authority.

With Umar’s nomination awaiting Senate approval, attention is expected to turn to the confirmation process and the direction the new leadership could bring to the agency if approved.

The move comes at a time the government continues to focus on energy reforms, sector regulation and efforts to improve efficiency in strategic institutions tied to the economy.

Observers see the leadership change as part of broader adjustments within agencies linked to economic and energy management as the administration pushes its policy agenda.

If confirmed by the Senate, Umar will take over leadership of an agency that plays a major role in overseeing critical operations in Nigeria’s petroleum value chain.

His appointment would place him at the center of ongoing reforms and regulatory responsibilities in one of the country’s most important sectors.