The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Mr Rabiu Umar, has unveiled an operational overhaul agenda aimed at strengthening regulatory discipline, improving efficiency, and deepening professionalism across Nigeria’s oil and gas downstream sector.
Umar disclosed this on Tuesday during his maiden town hall meeting with staff at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, with regional and field offices participating virtually.
According to the agency, the engagement marked his first major internal interface since assuming office, giving him the platform to outline his leadership direction and performance expectations for staff.
He said his administration would operate on a value system anchored on firmness in regulation, speed in execution, and fairness in administrative conduct.
“Our administration will be guided by the principles of being firm in regulation, fast in execution and fair in conduct,” Umar stated.
He stressed that regulatory efficiency would be central to his leadership, adding that the agency must become more responsive and consistent in carrying out its mandate under the Petroleum Industry Act.
Umar also called on staff to embrace discipline, collaboration, and accountability as core values necessary for institutional performance and credibility.
The statement noted that the town hall session allowed for open engagement between leadership and staff, aligning internal expectations with the new reform direction.
His reform message is widely seen within industry circles as the beginning of a broader internal restructuring drive aimed at improving operational procedures and strengthening enforcement capacity.
Umar was appointed by President Bola Tinubu on 29 April and later confirmed by the Senate, following the removal of his predecessor, Saidu Mohammed.
The presidency had said the leadership change was part of efforts to enhance regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors in line with the administration’s reform agenda.