Tinubu sacks Mohammed, appoints Rabiu Umar as NMDPRA CEO

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

Tinubu also approved the nomination of Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the NMDPRA.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced this in a statement issued on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, saying the appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

“This decision, made pursuant to the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Onanuga stated.

Onanuga said the most senior official of the NMDPRA will oversee operations in an acting capacity, pending Senate confirmation of Umar.

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He quoted Tinubu as thanking Mohammed for his service and wishing him well in his future endeavours.

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

Umar is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors, and a proven track record in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and large-scale project delivery.

He is a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University and an alumnus of Harvard Business School.