Tinubu Removes NMDPRA Chief, Nominates Replacement Amid Fuel Crisis

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Saidu Mohammed, barely four months after his appointment.

The decision, announced in a State House statement, cited public interest and comes amid ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, including a worsening aviation fuel crisis.

To fill the vacancy, the President has nominated Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the new chief executive, subject to confirmation by the National Assembly in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.

Mohammed, who assumed office in December 2025, had taken over from Farouk Ahmed, whose earlier exit had already highlighted instability within the regulatory agency.

The leadership change comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with rising aviation fuel costs and supply shortages, driven by both domestic inefficiencies and global disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East. The situation has affected airline operations, with some carriers scaling down activities due to high operating costs.

Recent regulatory efforts to stabilise the sector included the introduction of a price band for aviation fuel, known as Jet A-1, to curb volatility and ease pressure on operators.

Analysts view the shake-up as part of efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve energy security, and address persistent challenges in fuel pricing and distribution.

Industry stakeholders have largely backed the decision, urging the incoming leadership to prioritise refinery development, enhance monitoring mechanisms, and ensure transparency in the petroleum supply chain.

Experts also stressed the need for stronger oversight in a sector considered critical to the country’s economy, warning that inefficiencies in fuel supply could have widespread economic implications.

The presidency reaffirmed its commitment to appointing capable leadership to drive reforms and stabilise the energy sector amid ongoing global and domestic pressures.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale