Tinubu sacks NMDPRA CEO, Saidu Mohammed, names Rabiu Umar as successor

Appoints Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu foreign affairs minister

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

The President also approved the nomination of Mr Rabiu Umar as the new Chief Executive of the authority, subject to Senate confirmation.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The Presidency said the decision was made pursuant to the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.

The move was aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sector, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Umar is an experienced executive with over 25 years of service across the energy, manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.

He is also credited with a track record in strategic leadership, operational transformation and large-scale project delivery.

Umar studied Accounting at Bayero University and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

Pending senate confirmation of the nominee, the most senior official of the authority will oversee operations in acting capacity.

Tinubu thanked the outgoing chief executive for his service and wished him success in future endeavours.

The President reaffirmed commitment to capable leadership in key regulatory institutions to advance energy security, sector reforms and sustainable economic growth.

In a related development, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Minister of Foreign Affairs, following the resignation of Amb. Yusuf Tuggar.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Tuggar had resigned to participate in the 2027 general elections.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu previously served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

In the same vein, the president nominated Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, subject to Senate confirmation.

Until his nomination, Enikanolaiye, from Kogi, served as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations.

The Presidency described Enikanolaiye as a distinguished diplomat and seasoned public servant with over three decades of service in Nigeria’s foreign service.

He previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He also held diplomatic postings in Addis Ababa, Belgrade, Ottawa, London and New Delhi.

Tinubu said the appointments were part of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy architecture.

He said the move would enhance efficiency, strategic engagement and stronger global partnerships.

The President congratulated the appointees and urged them to work diligently in promoting Nigeria’s national interest.

He also charged them to advance economic diplomacy, foster regional stability and safeguard the welfare of Nigerians at home and abroad.