President Bola Tinubu has sacked Saidu Mohammed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) barely four months after he was appointed.
The decision was made public on Wednesday in a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
It stated that the dismissal was due considerations tied to national interest and the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
Following the development, the President has appointed Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new head of the agency. His appointment will take effect after confirmation by the Senate.
The statement also explained that until the confirmation process is completed, the most senior official within the authority will temporarily manage its activities.
Rabiu Umar is described as an experienced professional who has spent over two decades working across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. His background includes leadership roles and involvement in major projects. He studied Accounting at Bayero University Kano and later attended Harvard Business School.
The presidency said the change is part of efforts to improve how the petroleum regulatory system operates, especially in the midstream and downstream areas.
The President also acknowledged the service of the outgoing chief and wished him success in his future pursuits, while restating his aim to maintain effective leadership in key institutions within the energy sector.
