ABUJA — Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed the head of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Saidu Mohammed, in a move that signals fresh turbulence in the country’s downstream petroleum sector.
Mohammed’s removal comes barely four months after his appointment, following the controversial exit of his predecessor, Farouk Ahmed.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the decision was taken in the “public interest” and in line with provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
The presidency named Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Authority Chief Executive, subject to Senate confirmation.
“The leadership change is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector,” the statement said.
Pending confirmation, the most senior official at the authority will oversee operations in an acting capacity.
Umar, a graduate of accounting from Bayero University and an alumnus of Harvard Business School, brings over two decades of experience across energy, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.
Before his nomination, he served as Group Sales and Marketing Director at Dangote Cement.
His career spans multiple senior roles, including:
- Early experience at Oando Plc, where he held key marketing positions
- Energy and Power Director at Lafarge Africa
- Managing Director/CEO of Ashaka Cement Plc, where he led a business turnaround
- Group Chief Commercial Officer at Dangote Industries
Analysts say his appointment signals a possible shift toward a more commercially driven regulatory approach.
The abrupt leadership change underscores ongoing instability in Nigeria’s petroleum downstream sector, which has faced regulatory adjustments, pricing challenges and reform pressures in recent months.
The NMDPRA plays a central role in overseeing fuel supply, pricing frameworks and compliance across the midstream and downstream value chain.
Frequent leadership changes at the regulator have raised concerns among industry stakeholders about policy continuity and investor confidence.
Despite the shake-up, the presidency reiterated its commitment to strengthening institutional leadership and advancing reforms aimed at improving energy security and economic growth.
Tinubu thanked the outgoing chief executive for his service and wished him well, while emphasizing the importance of capable leadership in key regulatory agencies.
The latest development comes as Nigeria continues to implement sweeping reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act, aimed at modernising the sector and attracting investment.
