President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Saidu Mohammed from his position as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in what the Presidency described as a public interest decision under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
In his place, the President has nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the agency, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. According to the statement, the change is aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector, in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Presidency said the decision is part of broader efforts to improve efficiency, tighten supervision, and ensure better coordination within the downstream oil value chain, which has continued to experience pricing and supply adjustments.
Until the Senate confirms the new nominee, the most senior official in the agency will oversee operations in an acting capacity.
Rabiu Umar brings over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. He holds a degree in Accounting from Bayero University and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, with a background in executive management and operational reform.
The Presidency expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief Executive for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours, reiterating its commitment to strengthening key regulatory institutions in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.