By Grace Alegba
Lagos, Jan. 2, 2026 (NAN)
The Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) has formally commended President Bola Tinubu for his appointment of Engr. Saidu Mohammed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The endorsement highlights a significant shift towards prioritizing deep-rooted technical expertise in the leadership of Nigeria’s critical energy institutions.
In a detailed statement issued on Friday, NSE President, Mr. Alimasuya Rabiu, praised the appointment as a decision rooted in competence and a clear departure from politically motivated selections. Rabiu emphasized that by choosing a veteran with a career spanning nearly four decades, President Tinubu has placed the strategic future of Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors in the hands of a proven architect of the industry.
A Career Defined by Technical Mastery and Strategic Vision
The NSE’s enthusiasm, as explained by Rabiu, is directly tied to Mohammed’s documented track record as a seasoned technocrat. His career has consistently operated at the crucial intersection of complex engineering challenges and high-level national strategy. His fellowship in both the NSE and the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE) is not merely an honorific; it signifies a peer-validated mastery of the technical disciplines that underpin the entire hydrocarbon value chain. His leadership of the NMDPRA, therefore, represents a victory for professional excellence and meritocracy.
Mohammed’s most impactful role prior to this appointment was as the Group Executive Director of Gas and Power at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). His tenure there was marked by a transformative vision for Nigeria’s gas sector, aligning with the federal government’s “Decade of Gas” initiative. This experience is particularly relevant for the NMDPRA, which is tasked with implementing critical aspects of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), especially those concerning gas commercialization and domestic market development.
Unique 360-Degree View of the Energy Value Chain
What sets Engr. Mohammed apart is his comprehensive, hands-on experience across the entire spectrum of the industry. His prior leadership roles include:
- Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC): Giving him intimate knowledge of downstream refining challenges, product quality, and supply logistics.
- Nigerian Gas Company (NGC): Providing expertise in midstream gas transportation, pipeline infrastructure, and commercial operations.
This operational history grants him a rare, holistic understanding of how decisions in one segment—like gas pricing regulation by the NMDPRA—ripple through to affect refining, power generation, and industrial competitiveness.
Global Perspective for Domestic Challenges
Beyond Nigeria’s borders, Mohammed’s influence has shaped regional and international energy diplomacy. He has represented Nigeria’s interests at prestigious forums like the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) and the West African Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA). This global perspective is invaluable. It equips him to navigate international market dynamics, attract foreign investment with credible regulatory frameworks, and position Nigeria’s midstream and downstream sectors within the global energy transition conversation.
A Strategic Appointment for a Critical Juncture
Mr. Rabiu concluded that this appointment is strategically timed. As Nigeria grapples with the full implementation of the PIA, challenges of energy security, refinery rehabilitation, and the transition to cleaner fuels, the NMDPRA requires a leader who understands the technical minutiae as well as the broader economic picture. Engr. Saidu Mohammed’s blend of engineering rigor, operational experience, and strategic acumen positions him to provide the stable, knowledgeable regulatory stewardship the sector urgently needs to foster growth, attract investment, and ensure reliable energy supplies for the nation.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
GA/UNS
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Edited by Sandra Umeh
