Umar confirmed as NMDPRA chief, pledges energy security

The Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Rabiu Umar as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The confirmation followed the presentation and consideration of a report by the Senate joint committees on the Downstream Petroleum Sector and Gas during plenary. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum […]

The Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Rabiu Umar as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The confirmation followed the presentation and consideration of a report by the Senate joint committees on the Downstream Petroleum Sector and Gas during plenary.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum Sector, Abdulrahman Kawu, said the nominee possessed the technical competence, experience, and professional knowledge required for the position, adding that no petition was received against his nomination during the screening process.

He said that the joint committees cleared Umar after reviewing his credentials, records, and other relevant documents presented before lawmakers during the confirmation exercise.

During his screening, Umar pledged to strengthen national energy security, eliminate supply bottlenecks, and ensure stable fuel availability nationwide.

“Global events may affect prices, but they should not define Nigeria’s stability. Our task is to build a petroleum system strong enough to absorb shocks, protect supply, and keep homes, industries, and transport moving in every season,” he noted.

He further explained that one of his immediate priorities would be to strengthen the operational readiness of Nigeria’s 22 depots, ensure adequate stock buffers across the federation, and work closely with relevant agencies and industry stakeholders to guarantee product availability in every region of the country.

“The NMDPRA under my leadership will be firm in regulation, fair in conduct, and fast in execution. We will protect standards, unlock investment, remove avoidable bottlenecks, and make this Authority a model of professionalism and economic value creation,” he said.

Umar has more than two decades of experience across downstream petroleum, logistics, manufacturing, and large-scale industry.

His career includes senior leadership roles at Oando Plc, a widely noted turnaround stint at Ashaka Cement Plc, and six years as Group Chief Commercial Officer at Dangote Group, where he left 8 months ago.

Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi, National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, described Umar’s appointment as “well deserved,” expressing confidence that Umar’s experience would help resolve sector challenges and support independent marketers.

Dr. Billy Harry, National President of the Petroleum Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, said Umar’s leadership would strengthen the sector and deliver benefits across the value chain.