President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of Mr Saidu Mohammed as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The decision was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement issued by the President’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, who said the action was taken in the public interest.
According to the statement, Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar has been nominated as Mohammed’s replacement, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
Onanuga noted that the leadership change, carried out in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, is intended to enhance regulatory efficiency in the midstream and downstream segments of the petroleum sector.
He described Umar as an experienced executive with over two decades of experience spanning energy, manufacturing and infrastructure, as well as a track record in strategic leadership and project delivery.
Umar is a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University and an alumnus of Harvard Business School.
The statement added that pending Senate confirmation, the most senior official within the agency will oversee its operations in an acting capacity.
The President expressed appreciation to the outgoing chief executive for his service and extended his best wishes for his future endeavours.
Mohammed, who held office for about four months, was appointed following the exit of his predecessor, Farouk Ahmed, amid allegations of corruption.
