President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of Saidu Mohammed as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, appointing Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his replacement.
The decision, announced by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, signals a major leadership transition in Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory space at a time of ongoing sector reforms.
The presidency confirmed that Umar’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation, with the most senior official at the NMDPRA expected to oversee operations in the interim.
The statement noted that the move aligns with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and is aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness across Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.
“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,” the statement reads.
“He is a graduate of Accounting from Bayero University and an alumnus of Harvard Business School.
“Pending Senate confirmation of the new nominee, the most senior official of the NMDPRA will oversee operations in an acting capacity.”
President Tinubu also thanked the outgoing CEO for his service and reaffirmed his commitment to appointing capable leaders to drive energy security and economic growth.
What His Appointment Means For NMDPRA And Nigeria’s Oil Sector
Umar’s appointment comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s petroleum industry, especially as the country seeks to fully implement reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act.
His extensive private-sector background is expected to:
- Strengthen regulatory efficiency and transparency
- Improve coordination across the midstream and downstream value chain
- Drive investment and operational discipline in the sector
- Support Nigeria’s broader energy security goals
The leadership change is also seen as part of efforts to reposition the NMDPRA as a more responsive and performance-driven regulator.
Who Is Rabiu Abdullahi Umar, The New NMDPRA CEO?
Rabiu Abdullahi Umar is a seasoned Nigerian executive with over 25 years of experience spanning energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, and corporate strategy.
Widely recognised for his expertise in transformation and large-scale operations, Umar has built a reputation for driving performance across multiple industries, from oil and gas to cement manufacturing.
He holds a degree in Accounting from Bayero University Kano and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School. He is also a member of the Institute of Directors.
Early Life and Background
Although details of his early life remain largely private, Umar’s roots trace back to northern Nigeria, with strong academic and professional ties to Kano.
His background reflects a blend of analytical thinking and commercial awareness, shaped by his education and early exposure to business environments.
Education
Umar began his academic journey at Bayero University Kano, where he studied Accounting, laying the foundation for his career in finance and strategy.
He later advanced his expertise at Harvard Business School, gaining exposure to global business practices, leadership strategies, and high-level decision-making frameworks.
Umar’s Career Journey
Umar started his professional journey at Oando Plc, where he rose through the ranks in the marketing division.
During his time there, he played a key role in executing the company’s Sales and Marketing Transformation Plan, gaining deep experience in petroleum distribution, pricing, and customer engagement.
The Lafarge Chapter: Expanding Across West Africa
In 2014, he joined Lafarge Africa Plc as Energy and Power Director before taking on a broader role in strategy and business development across West Africa.
This position saw him oversee operations and projects in multiple countries, strengthening his regional leadership experience.
Umar was appointed Managing Director/CEO of Ashaka Cement Plc in 2016.
During his tenure, he led a major turnaround strategy, improving operational performance and stabilising the company in a challenging business environment.
Joining Dangote Industries
He later joined Dangote Industries Limited as Group Chief Commercial Officer and also served as Group Sales and Marketing Director at Dangote Cement Plc.
In these roles, Umar was responsible for large-scale commercial operations, market expansion, and revenue growth across one of Africa’s largest industrial groups.
Family And Personal Life
Rabiu Abdullahi Umar maintains a private personal life. He is married, though details about his wife and children are not publicly disclosed.
This level of discretion is common among senior executives, reflecting a clear boundary between professional achievements and personal affairs.
Transition At NMDPRA
Pending Senate confirmation, the NMDPRA will be overseen by its most senior official in an acting capacity.
The presidency emphasised that the leadership change is part of a broader effort to ensure strong governance and effective regulation in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Umar’s move from top private-sector roles into a key regulatory position marks a significant shift, bringing corporate discipline into public sector oversight.
His experience across energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure positions him to influence policy execution, regulatory reforms, and industry performance at a time when Nigeria’s oil sector remains central to its economic future.
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