Tinubu Sacks NMDPRA Chief Saidu Mohammed While on Official Duty Abroad, Names Successor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Engr. Saidu Mohammed, while he was reportedly on official duty in Germany, marking a sudden leadership change in Nigeria’s oil regulatory sector.

The development was confirmed on Tuesday, April 29, 2026, with the Presidency announcing Mohammed’s dismissal without providing detailed reasons for the decision. However, officials referenced provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act as part of the legal framework guiding the move.

Mohammed, a seasoned engineer, had only assumed office in late 2025 following his appointment by President Tinubu after the exit of his predecessor. His tenure at the regulatory authority, which oversees Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum operations, lasted just a few months before the abrupt termination.

In the same announcement, the President nominated Rabiu Umar as Mohammed’s replacement, subject to the necessary confirmation processes. The Presidency also expressed appreciation for Mohammed’s service during his brief time in office.

The sack has drawn attention due to its timing, as it occurred while Mohammed was outside the country on official assignment in Germany, raising questions about internal developments within Nigeria’s petroleum regulatory system.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority plays a central role in regulating petroleum product supply, pricing frameworks, and infrastructure across the country, making leadership changes at the agency critical to Nigeria’s energy stability and policy direction.