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Rabiu Umar confirmed as Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority Chief Executive
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Senate has confirmed Rabiu Umar as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority NMDPRA following his screening on May 5, 2026. Lawmakers commended his professionalism, industry knowledge, and strategic vision for Nigeria鈥檚 petroleum sector. Umar, nominated by President Bola Tinubu on April 29, 2026, pledged to strengthen national energy security, eliminate supply bottlenecks, and ensure stable fuel availability nationwide. His agenda focuses on supply resilience, regulatory efficiency, investor confidence, and nationwide product accessibility. Umar stated that while global events may influence fuel prices, Nigeria must build a petroleum system strong enough to absorb shocks and protect supply. With over two decades of experience in downstream petroleum, logistics, and manufacturing, including senior roles at Oando Plc and Dangote Group, Umar outlined immediate priorities such as strengthening the operational readiness of Nigeria鈥檚 22 depots and ensuring nationwide stock buffers. He emphasized that energy security is measured by fuel availability when and where Nigerians need it. Industry groups, including the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria IPMAN, the Petroleum Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria PETROAN, and stakeholders within the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria, endorsed his nomination. Umar committed to repositioning the NMDPRA as an efficient regulator and a catalyst for investme
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Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, a Yoruba nation activist, stated on Monday that his advocacy for improved security in the South-West is not aimed at any specific ethnic group. Instead, he said it targets criminal elements involved in abduction, killings, and banditry. Igboho's spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, issued a statement emphasizing the need for Nigerians, regardless of their religious, political, or ethnic backgrounds, to cooperate with the government and security agencies to combat crime. This statement followed a call from the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria CFPN for President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to caution Adeyemo over alleged inflammatory remarks concerning Fulani communities in Oyo. Igboho dismissed the CFPN's concerns as "baseless, misplaced priority and distortion of facts," reiterating that his focus is on protecting lives and preserving peace, security, and justice. He stressed that criminals should be identified, arrested, and prosecuted by law enforcement agencies irrespective of their ethnicity, religion, or political affiliations. Igboho commended the efforts of the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, the Director-General of the Department of State Service, and other security agency heads in combating crime in the South-West. He also urged those calling for his caution to instead support stronger security measures against criminal networks.
The Parliamentary Advocacy Centre PAC has criticized comments made by Fred Agbedi, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, regarding Nigeria's security situation. Agbedi had urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend activities related to the 2027 general elections and focus on tackling insecurity and economic hardship. PAC described Agbedi's remarks as politically motivated and unhelpful, stating that while concerns about insecurity are valid, political leaders should avoid turning national security into a partisan issue. In a statement, PAC President Itodo Vincent accused Agbedi of politicizing a sensitive national concern, arguing that Nigerians expect practical solutions and constructive engagement. PAC highlighted that Nigeria's security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency, predate the current administration and require sustained cooperation among all stakeholders. The organization called Agbedi's remarks and demands inappropriate, especially his suggestion that the President should resign if security challenges are not resolved within six months, deeming it reckless. PAC alleged that Agbedi's intervention appeared driven by political considerations for the 2027 elections rather than genuine concern for resolving the security crisis. The group stressed that security should not be a platform for political contestation and urged leaders to support measures for public safety and economic stability. PAC reaffirmed its support for the Federal G
Must ReadProtesters, led by the Take It Back Movement, have barricaded the Iwo Road area in Ibadan, Oyo State, to demand an end to insecurity in Nigeria and the release of 39 abducted schoolchildren and teachers. The protest, which began around 10 am, is a continuation of actions initiated by the human rights group since the abductions in the Orire Local Government Area in May. Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the Movement, stated that protests will continue until all abducted victims are freed, criticizing government officials for their perceived inaction while 46 students and their teachers remain in captivity. Sanyaolu emphasized the demand for freedom for all captives across Nigeria and urged state and federal governments to act, warning of continued mass action if their demands are not met.