Tinubu Sacks NMDPRA Boss After Four Months, Names Replacement

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed Saidu Mohammed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), just four months after his appointment.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday, saying the removal was made “in the public interest.”

Mohammed will be replaced by Rabiu Abdullahi Umar, whose appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

Pending approval, the most senior official at NMDPRA will oversee operations in an acting capacity.

Onanuga said the leadership change was carried out under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 to strengthen regulatory effectiveness in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector.

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

Umar holds a degree in Accounting from Bayero University and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

Tinubu thanked Mohammed for his service and wished him well, while stressing his commitment to ensuring capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to advance energy security and economic growth.

Mohammed had been appointed after the resignation of Farouk Ahmed, who stepped down amid corruption allegations.