President Bola Tinubu has removed Mr Saidu Mohammed as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in what the Presidency described as a decision taken in the public interest.

He has also approved the nomination of Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the agency, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

According to a State House statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the appointment is in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (2021) and is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector.

Pending Senate approval, the most senior official in the NMDPRA will oversee the agency’s operations in an acting capacity.

Mr Umar is described as a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. He is said to have a strong background in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and large-scale project delivery.

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

The President also appreciated the outgoing Chief Executive for his service to the nation and wished him success in his future endeavours.