Tinubu sacks NMDPRA boss amid jet fuel pricing row

In a significant move aimed at bolstering regulatory effectiveness within Nigeria's critical petroleum sector, President Bola Tinubu has approved the removal of Saidu Mohammed as the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). This decision, announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, comes just four months after Mohammed's appointment and signals a push towards strengthening the 'Renewed Hope Agenda' in energy security and sector reform.

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President Bola Tinubu has approved the removal of Mr Saidu Mohammed as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, in the public interest.

The timing of Mohammed's dismissal is noteworthy, occurring amidst mounting pressures within the industry. Airline Operators of Nigeria have been vocal about their struggles with the escalating cost of aviation fuel, even threatening to cease operations. Concurrently, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has raised concerns regarding the NMDPRA's issuance of fuel import licenses, indicating a potential disconnect in market dynamics. These concurrent challenges underscore the complex environment in which the NMDPRA operates and the government's desire for more robust regulatory oversight.

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The President has also approved the nomination of Mr Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new Chief Executive of the NMDPRA. The appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

President Tinubu has nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar, a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors, to succeed Mohammed. Umar, an alumnus of Bayero University and Harvard Business School, brings a wealth of experience, including a significant tenure as Group Sales and Marketing Director at Dangote Cement. His appointment, pending confirmation by the Senate, is expected to inject new leadership and strategic direction into the NMDPRA. The presidency has emphasized its commitment to ensuring capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to foster sustainable economic growth, signaling a proactive approach to addressing the nation's energy challenges.

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Mr 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.