President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr Saidu Mohammed, and nominated Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his replacement, subject to Senate confirmation.
In a statement posted on Wednesday via the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the presidency said:
“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 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.”
According to the statement, the decision was taken in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and is intended to reposition the regulatory body for improved performance.
“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.
The presidency described Umar as an experienced professional with extensive cross-sector expertise.
“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.
He is a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University and an alumnus of Harvard Business School.”
It further stated that pending Senate confirmation of the nomination, the most senior official at the authority would oversee its operations in an acting capacity.
“Pending Senate confirmation of the new nominee, the most senior official of the NMDPRA will oversee operations in an acting capacity.”
President Tinubu 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 President remains committed to ensuring capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to advance energy security, sector reform, and sustainable economic growth.”
Boluwatife Enome
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