NMDPRA boss unveils operational overhaul agenda

The Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Mr Rabiu Umar, has unveiled an operational overhaul agenda aimed at strengthening regulatory discipline, improving efficiency, and deepening professionalism across the oil and gas regulatory space.

Umar made this revelation on Tuesday during his maiden town hall meeting with staff at the authority’s headquarters in Abuja, while regional and field offices joined virtually.

According to a statement by the NMDPRA, the engagement marked his first major internal meeting since assuming office, offering him an opportunity to directly set out his leadership philosophy and expectations for staff performance.

He told workers that his administration would run on a strict value system built around firmness in regulation, speed in execution, and fairness in administrative conduct.

“Our administration will be guided by the principles of being ‘firm in regulation, fast in execution and fair in conduct’,” Umar said.

He emphasised that regulatory efficiency would remain a key focus of his leadership, stating that the agency must demonstrate greater responsiveness, consistency, and professionalism in carrying out its statutory responsibilities under the Petroleum Industry Act.

Umar also urged staff to embrace discipline, collaboration, and accountability as key requirements for delivering on the agency’s responsibilities.

“Mr Umar urged staff to remain dedicated, disciplined and collaborative in advancing the mandate of the authority while fostering a culture of accountability, transparency and excellence,” the statement indicated.

The town hall meeting also provided an opportunity for staff engagement, interaction and alignment with the new leadership’s goals for the growth and transformation of the authority, according to the statement.

Umar’s reform message is seen within the agency as the beginning of a broader internal restructuring drive expected to reshape operational procedures and regulatory enforcement.

Umar’s emergence as the chief executive followed his appointment by President Bola Tinubu on 29 April, when he was nominated to replace the immediate past head of the agency.

The appointment followed the removal of Mr Saidu Mohammed, who was dismissed less than four months after succeeding Farouk Ahmed..

Umar’s nomination was subsequently confirmed by the Senate, completing the formal process for his assumption of office.

The presidency said the leadership change in NMDPRA was aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness in the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.