Leadership shake-up comes as aviation fuel prices soar and tensions rise over import licence controversy……
President Bola Tinubu has removed the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Saidu Mohammed, just four months after his appointment, in a move that signals growing pressure within Nigeria’s energy sector.
The decision, announced on Wednesday, comes at a critical moment marked by escalating aviation fuel costs and mounting disputes within the downstream petroleum industry.
In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the removal was described as being in the “public interest.” The presidency also confirmed the nomination of Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as Mohammed’s replacement, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
Until that process is completed, the most senior official within the regulatory authority will oversee operations in an acting capacity.
The shake-up is unfolding against the backdrop of a deepening crisis in the aviation sector, where airline operators have warned of a potential shutdown due to the rising cost of Jet A1 fuel. Industry players say prices have surged dramatically in recent weeks, placing significant strain on operations and profitability.
At the same time, tensions have been brewing between regulators and major industry stakeholders over fuel importation. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery had previously raised concerns about the continued issuance of import licences, despite claims by the regulator that no such approvals had been granted this year.
These overlapping pressures have intensified scrutiny on the NMDPRA’s role in managing the sector, particularly at a time when Nigeria is striving to stabilise fuel supply and pricing.
According to the presidency, the leadership change aligns with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and is part of broader efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight in the midstream and downstream segments.
The incoming nominee, Rabiu Umar, is described as an experienced executive with more than two decades of leadership across the energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. A graduate of Bayero University and an alumnus of Harvard Business School, he is expected to bring strategic and operational expertise to the role.
Checks indicate that Umar has held senior positions within the private sector, including serving as Group Sales and Marketing Director at Dangote Cement, as well as earlier roles at Oando Plc.
Meanwhile, the outgoing chief executive’s removal comes amid broader efforts by the Federal Government to address persistent challenges in the fuel market, particularly the volatility affecting aviation fuel pricing.
Airline operators have argued that recent price increases are disproportionate to global crude trends, describing the surge as unsustainable. However, fuel marketers have pushed back, urging operators to explore alternative supply options.
Despite ongoing discussions, the standoff has persisted, with uncertainty continuing to hang over the aviation industry.
The latest leadership change also follows earlier controversies within the regulatory agency, including disputes over fuel import licences and allegations of misconduct involving past leadership.
While it remains unclear whether these issues directly influenced Mohammed’s removal, the timing underscores the high stakes surrounding Nigeria’s energy governance.
In announcing the decision, the President expressed appreciation for Mohammed’s service, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring strong leadership across key regulatory institutions.
As Nigeria navigates a complex mix of supply challenges, pricing pressures, and sector reforms, the appointment of new leadership at the NMDPRA is likely to play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the country’s oil and gas industry in the months ahead.
