Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Saidu Mohammed as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his replacement.

The decision, announced in a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, takes immediate effect and was made in the “public interest.”

Umar’s appointment is, however, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

According to the presidency, the move—made in line with the Petroleum Industry Act 2021—is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The statement described Umar as a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors, with a track record in strategic leadership and large-scale project delivery. He studied Accounting at Bayero University and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

Pending Senate confirmation, the most senior official within the NMDPRA will oversee the agency in an acting capacity.

President Tinubu thanked the outgoing chief executive for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours, reiterating his administration’s commitment to strengthening leadership in key institutions to enhance energy security and drive economic growth.

Mohammed had been appointed in December 2025 following the resignation of Farouk Ahmed, who stepped down amid controversy after allegations of corruption raised by Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited.