BREAKING: Tinubu Nominates Six NMDPRA Executive Directors, Seeks Senate Confirmation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated six executive directors for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), forwarding their names to the Senate for confirmation as part of efforts to strengthen the agency’s leadership and regulatory operations.

The development was announced on Friday, October 30, 2026, by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, in a statement issued by the Presidency. The nominees comprise three serving officials proposed for reappointment and three new candidates. Their appointments will take effect upon Senate confirmation, after which they will serve five-year terms. (State House)

Three NMDPRA Executive Directors Nominated for Reappointment

According to the Presidency, the three executive directors nominated for another term are:

• Abiodun Adeniji – Executive Director, Finance and Accounts.
• Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha – Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure.
• Dr Mustapha Lamorde – Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community.

The three officials are being considered for reappointment to their respective positions, subject to the Senate’s approval.

Tinubu Names Three New Executive Director Nominees

The President has also nominated three individuals for executive director positions within the regulatory authority.

They are:

• Mobolaji Tajudeen Musa – Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installations and Transportation Infrastructure.
• Ogechukwu Modie – Executive Director, Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning.
• Said Abutalib – Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration.

The nominees are expected to oversee their respective departments if their appointments receive the required legislative approval.

The Presidency said Tinubu had requested that the Senate consider the nominations expeditiously to ensure continuity in the Authority’s operations and strengthen its capacity to carry out its regulatory responsibilities.

Tinubu Approves Appointment of Jumoke Gafar

In a related development, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mrs Jumoke Gafar as Secretary to the Board/Authority and Legal Adviser of the NMDPRA.

However, her appointment remains subject to the completion of the statutory processes prescribed under Section 46 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The appointment is separate from the six executive director nominations forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.

NMDPRA Leadership Changes Continue

The latest nominations follow Tinubu’s appointment of Engr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as Chief Executive of the NMDPRA in April 2026.

Umar’s nomination came after the removal of Saidu Mohammed from the position, marking another leadership change at the agency responsible for regulating Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.

Established under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the NMDPRA oversees key aspects of the petroleum industry, including the processing, transportation, storage and distribution of petroleum products.

The latest nominations are expected to strengthen the Authority’s management structure, with the Senate’s decision now a key step in determining whether the six nominees will assume their proposed positions for the next five years.

Source: The State House, Abuja.