JUST IN: Tinubu Removes Saidu Mohammed as NMDPRA Chief, Nominates Replacement

President Bola Tinubu has removed Saidu Mohammed as chief executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his replacement, pending Senate confirmation.

The nomination was announced on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement shared on X.

According to the Presidency, the change was made in the public interest and in line with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, with the aim of strengthening regulation in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector.

The statement said Umar brings more than 25 years of experience spanning energy, manufacturing and infrastructure, with a background in strategic leadership and large-scale project delivery. He studied Accounting at Bayero University and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

“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.

Pending Senate confirmation of Umar’s appointment, the most senior official at the authority will oversee the agency in an acting capacity.

President Tinubu thanked the outgoing chief executive for his service and wished him well.

The Presidency added that the administration remains focused on strengthening leadership across key institutions to support energy security and economic growth.