President Bola Tinubu has approved the removal of the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Saidu Mohammed, in what the Presidency described as being in the public interest.
The President also nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the Authority, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the decision was taken in line with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 to strengthen regulatory effectiveness in the sector.
“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 said.
Umar, the nominee, is described as a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience across energy, manufacturing and infrastructure.
“He 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,” the statement added.
He is a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University and an alumnus of Harvard Business School.
Pending Senate confirmation, the most senior official of the NMDPRA will oversee operations in an acting capacity.
The President also acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing chief executive.
“President Tinubu thanks the outgoing Authority Chief Executive for his service and wishes him well in his future endeavours,” the statement said.
It added that the administration remains focused on strengthening key institutions.
“The President remains committed to ensuring capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to advance energy security, sector reform, and sustainable economic growth,” the statement said.