Mirian Gom 
Rabiu Umar
ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of Saidu Mohammed as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), nominating Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his replacement.
The decision, announced on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, was taken “in the public interest” and is subject to Senate confirmation.
Umar, a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience across energy, manufacturing and infrastructure, is expected to steer the regulatory agency at a critical time for Nigeria’s petroleum sector reforms.
The presidency said the move aligns with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream segments.
Pending Senate approval, the most senior official within the authority will oversee operations in an acting capacity.
Tinubu thanked the outgoing chief for his service, reiterating his administration’s commitment to competent leadership in key institutions to drive energy security and economic growth.
Analysts say the leadership change could influence ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, particularly around pricing, supply stability and investor confidence.
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