By Erewunmi Peace

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the removal of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Saidu Mohammed.

In a related development, the President has nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new head of the regulatory agency, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The decision, according to official sources, was taken in the public interest as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight and efficiency in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

The NMDPRA plays a key role in regulating activities within the midstream and downstream segments of the petroleum industry, making its leadership crucial to the sector’s performance.

The nomination of a new chief executive is expected to usher in fresh strategies aimed at improving regulatory operations and addressing challenges within the industry.

Saidu Mohammed’s tenure comes to an end following the directive, while the Senate is expected to commence the screening process for the nominee in due course.

Further developments are anticipated as the confirmation process progresses.