KEY POINTS

• Tinubu removed NMDPRA CEO Saidu Mohammed just four months after his appointment.
• Rabiu Umar, a former Dangote executive, has been nominated as his replacement, pending Senate approval.
• The move is aimed at strengthening regulation under the Petroleum Industry Act and improving sector performance.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Saidu Mohammed as the chief executive officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, just four months after his appointment.

The decision was announced by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who said the move is part of efforts to strengthen regulatory effectiveness in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The president has nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new CEO of the NMDPRA, subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.

Pending approval, the most senior official within the agency will oversee operations in an acting capacity.

According to the presidency, Umar brings over 25 years of experience across energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure, with expertise in leadership, operations, and large-scale project delivery.

Private Sector Background and Experience

Umar’s career spans several major organisations, including Dangote Cement Plc and Dangote Industries Limited, owned by Aliko Dangote.

He previously served as:

• Group Sales and Marketing Director at Dangote Cement
• Managing Director/CEO of Ashaka Cement Plc
• Group Chief Commercial Officer at Dangote Industries

He also held roles at Oando Plc and Lafarge Africa, where he worked in energy, strategy, and business development.

The presidency said the leadership change aligns with provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, aimed at improving governance and efficiency in the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.

Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring competent leadership in regulatory institutions to enhance energy security, drive sector reforms, and support economic growth.