President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of Mr. Saidu Mohammed as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and nominated Mr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his replacement.
The Presidency disclosed this in a State House press release issued on April 29, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, Saidu Mohammed’s removal was approved “in the public interest,” while Rabiu Umar’s nomination as the new Chief Executive is subject to confirmation by the Senate.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the removal of Mr. Saidu Mohammed as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in the public interest,” the statement read.
“The President has also approved the nomination of Mr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the NMDPRA. The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.”
The Presidency said the decision was made in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“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,” the statement added.
Rabiu Umar was described as a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience spanning the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors.
The Presidency noted that he has built a strong reputation in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and large-scale project delivery.
“Mr. 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,” Onanuga stated.
He is a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University and an alumnus of Harvard Business School.
Pending Senate confirmation of the nomination, the most senior official of the NMDPRA will oversee the agency’s operations in an acting capacity.
President Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the outgoing Authority Chief Executive for his service to the nation and wished him success in his future endeavours.
The President, according to the statement, remains committed to ensuring capable leadership in strategic regulatory institutions to drive energy security, deepen reforms in the petroleum sector, and support sustainable economic growth.
