BREAKING: Tinubu sacks NMDPRA boss, names Rabiu Umar as replacement

President Bola Tinubu has dismissed Saidu Mohammed from his role as chief executive officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

Mohammed’s removal, approved by the president, comes just four months after he assumed office in December 2025, taking over from Farouk Ahmed.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy, said Tinubu has nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new CEO of the authority.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Onanuga explained that the leadership change, carried out in line with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, is aimed at improving regulatory performance in the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.

“Mr Umar is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors, and a proven track record in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and large-scale project delivery,” the statement reads.

“He is a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University Kano and an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

“Pending Senate confirmation of the new nominee, the most senior official of the NMDPRA will oversee operations in an acting capacity.”

The presidential aide said Tinubu thanked the outgoing chief executive for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours.

He added that the president remains committed to appointing capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to advance energy security, sector reforms, and sustainable economic growth.

On December 17, 2025, Tinubu asked the Senate to confirm the nominations of Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and Mohammed.

The request followed the resignation of Farouk Ahmed and Gbenga Komolafe from their respective positions.