President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of Mr Saidu Mohammed as the Authority 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.”

In a State House statement issued on Wednesday signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President also approved the nomination of Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, with the appointment subject to Senate confirmation.

The decision, according to the statement, was made pursuant to the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Umar is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors, and a proven track record in strategic leadership, operational transformation, and large-scale project delivery.

He is a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University and an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

The statement added that pending Senate confirmation of the new nominee, the most senior official of the NMDPRA will oversee the agency’s operations in an acting capacity.

President Tinubu also expressed appreciation to the outgoing Authority Chief Executive for his service, wishing him well in his future endeavours.

“The President remains committed to ensuring capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to advance energy security, sector reform, and sustainable economic growth,” the statement added.