KEY POINTS
- President Tinubu removes Saidu Mohammed as CEO of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and nominates Rabiu Umar as successor.
- Umar is a former Dangote Cement executive with over 25 years of experience in energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors.
- The appointment is part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening petroleum regulation and improving Nigeria’s energy sector performance.
President Bola Tinubu has removed Saidu Mohammed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, and nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his replacement.
The announcement was made in Abuja by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who confirmed that the appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of broader efforts by the federal government to strengthen regulatory oversight in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector under the framework of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
The nominee, Rabiu Abdullahi Umar, is a seasoned corporate executive with more than 25 years of experience across energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Before his appointment, he served as Group Sales and Marketing Director at Dangote Cement, one of Africa’s largest industrial conglomerates.
His professional journey began at Oando Plc, where he held various management positions in marketing and contributed to major sales transformation initiatives. He later moved to Lafarge Africa in 2014 as Energy and Power Director, where he handled strategic development across West Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon.
By 2016, he had become Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ashaka Cement Plc, leading a major turnaround of the company before joining Dangote Industries in 2019 as Group Chief Commercial Officer.
Government Cites Reform Drive and Energy Security Goals
The Presidency explained that the leadership change at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority is aimed at improving efficiency, strengthening regulatory effectiveness, and advancing energy sector reforms.
The administration also stated that the move aligns with its Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises energy security, economic growth, and institutional strengthening.
While awaiting Senate confirmation of the new nominee, the most senior official in the agency will oversee operations in an acting capacity. The government also expressed appreciation to the outgoing CEO for his service and reaffirmed its commitment to placing capable leaders in strategic institutions.
