Tinubu sacks NMDPRA boss Mohammed in public interest, nominates Umar

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate removal of Mr Saidu Mohammed as chief executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), citing public interest as the primary reason for the decision.

The announcement, contained in a State House press release by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, underscored the administration’s drive to inject capable leadership into critical regulatory bodies amid ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

In his place, President Tinubu has nominated Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar, a Harvard Business School alumnus and accounting graduate from Bayero University. Mr Umar possesses more than 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. His track record in strategic leadership and operational transformation positions him to drive the Renewed Hope Agenda’s goals for energy security and economic growth.

The action is in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, with Mr Umar’s appointment pending Senate confirmation. Until the confirmation process is complete, the most senior NMDPRA official will oversee the role in an acting capacity.

While thanking Mr Mohammed for his service, the Presidency emphasised that the removal prioritises the public interest by strengthening regulatory oversight in the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors. This is considered vital for tackling fuel scarcity, price volatility, and inefficiencies that have long burdened Nigerian consumers and businesses.