The Nigerian Senate recently confirmed Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), alongside Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as CEO of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), following screenings and recommendations from the Joint Committees on Petroleum (Upstream, Downstream, and Gas).

Mohammed’s appointment has come under scrutiny, with industry sources telling SaharaReporters that he played a significant role in the operational collapse of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company during his tenure as Managing Director. The refinery remains largely inactive, with minimal staff and operations, despite ongoing commitments by NNPC Ltd. to find a sustainable solution.

Mohammed has also held leadership positions as Managing Director of the Nigerian Gas Company and chaired boards of the West African Gas Pipeline Company, Nigeria LNG subsidiaries, and NNPC Retail.

An industry insider stated, “Saidu Mohammed, who has been appointed CEO of the downstream petroleum regulatory authority, was the one who collapsed Kaduna refinery.” The facility has faced prolonged shutdowns and deterioration due to mismanagement, insufficient crude supply, corruption, and underinvestment.

Meanwhile, Eyesan, appointed to lead NUPRC, previously worked closely with former NNPC Ltd. GCEO Mele Kyari from 2019 to 2025. Both appointments follow the resignations of Farouk Ahmed (NMDPRA) and Gbenga Komalafe (NUPRC). Ahmed had faced allegations of corruption from Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.

Dangote had petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on December 16, accusing Ahmed of illicit enrichment and abuse of office. The petition alleged that Ahmed spent over $7 million on his four children’s education in Switzerland, paid upfront for six years, an expenditure deemed inconsistent with the earnings of a public officer. Dangote described this as “clear evidence of corrupt enrichment” and called for ICPC to investigate and prosecute Ahmed.

Observers note that Dangote’s influence in Nigeria’s petroleum sector may increase with the appointment of the new regulators. A source told SaharaReporters, “Aliko Dangote is feeling triumphant over the appointment of the regulators.”