President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of Mr Saidu Mohammed as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), citing public interest.

The president also nominated Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his replacement, with the appointment subject to confirmation by the Senate.

According to the presidency, the decision was made in line with provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and is intended to strengthen regulatory effectiveness in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector.

Umar, an accounting graduate of Bayero University Kano and alumnus of Harvard Business School, brings over 25 years of experience spanning energy, manufacturing and infrastructure, with a track record in leadership and project delivery.

Pending Senate confirmation, the most senior official within the NMDPRA will oversee operations in an acting capacity.

Tinubu thanked the outgoing chief executive for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening key regulatory institutions to enhance energy security and drive sector reforms.