Tinubu Removes NMDPRA Chief, Nominates Rabiu Umar as Successor

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of Mr Saidu Mohammed as the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and nominated Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his replacement, subject to Senate confirmation.

According to a State House statement signed by Bayo Onanuga on April 29, 2026, the decision was taken in the public interest and in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.

The Presidency said the appointment is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector as part of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.Umar, the nominee, was described as an experienced executive with more than 25 years of experience spanning the energy, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. He is said to have expertise in strategic leadership, operational transformation and project delivery.

He studied Accounting at Bayero University and is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

Pending Senate confirmation, the most senior official of the authority will oversee operations in an acting capacity. President Tinubu thanked the outgoing chief executive for his service and reiterated his commitment to capable leadership in key institutions to boost energy security, sector reforms and economic growth.