Tinubu sacks NMDPRA boss, nominates Rabiu Umar as successor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Saidu Mohammed, and nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his replacement, in a move aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory leadership.

The decision, announced Wednesday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, was described as being taken “in the public interest,” with the new appointment subject to Senate confirmation.

According to the presidency, the leadership change is intended to strengthen regulatory effectiveness across Nigeria’s midstream and downstream oil and gas segments, in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and the administration’s broader reform agenda.

Pending confirmation, the most senior official within the authority will oversee operations in an acting capacity, ensuring continuity in regulatory activities across the sector.

Mr Umar, the nominee, brings more than 25 years of experience spanning energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure. His background includes strategic leadership roles and large-scale project delivery, positioning him as a technocratic choice at a time when Nigeria’s oil sector remains central to economic stability.

He holds a degree in Accounting from Bayero University and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

While the presidency did not disclose specific reasons for Mr Mohammed’s removal, Mr Onanuga said the president expressed appreciation for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours.

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The shake-up comes as Nigeria continues to navigate reforms in its petroleum industry, with regulators playing a critical role in managing fuel supply, pricing structures, and investor confidence in Africa’s largest oil-producing economy.