President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Saidu Mohammed as chief executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as his successor.

The decision follows months of instability in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, marked by regulatory disputes and corruption allegations.

The Presidency described the move as being in the “public interest,” positioning it as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening oversight and efficiency. Umar’s appointment remains subject to confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.

The leadership shake-up comes against the backdrop of a high-profile dispute involving Aliko Dangote and former NMDPRA boss Ahmed Farouk. Dangote had accused Farouk of corruption and actions that undermined local refining capacity, prompting investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Although the ICPC petition was later withdrawn, the EFCC continued its probe, intensifying scrutiny on the regulator. Farouk subsequently resigned, and Mohammed’s brief tenure followed before the latest intervention.

Rabiu Abdullahi Umar, the nominee, brings extensive experience across energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure, most recently serving at Dangote Cement. His professional ties to the Dangote Group have drawn attention amid the earlier disputes involving the regulator.

The government, however, highlights his expertise in strategic leadership and operational transformation as critical to ongoing sector reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021. Pending Senate confirmation, the most senior official within the agency will oversee operations in an acting capacity.