By Ebunoluwa Sessou

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, describing the decision as a strong signal of the administration’s commitment to competence and professionalism in the energy sector.

The engineering body said the appointment was timely and well-considered, noting that it reflects the President’s resolve to place the right expertise in critical positions to drive growth and stability in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry

In a statement signed by the President of the Society, Engr. Alimasuya Rabiu, FAEng, FNSE, the NSE said President Tinubu had once again demonstrated leadership by prioritising merit and technical capacity, stressing that Engr. Mohammed’s emergence would strengthen regulation and inspire confidence across the midstream and downstream segments of the sector.

According to Rabiu, Engr. Mohammed’s vast experience and steady leadership are expected to enhance the regulatory framework and improve Nigeria’s standing in the global energy space.

The NSE President particularly praised Engr. Mohammed’s pedigree as a seasoned engineer and technocrat with nearly four decades of experience at the highest levels of the gas and energy industry, noting that his depth of knowledge in gas development, infrastructure and policy uniquely positions him to drive efficiency, innovation and sustainable growth.

He recalled that Engr. Mohammed played a central role in shaping Nigeria’s gas architecture, providing strategic leadership for landmark initiatives such as the Gas Masterplan, the Gas Network Code and key inputs into the Petroleum Industry Act during his tenure as Group Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Gas and Power, at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Rabiu added that the new NMDPRA CEO was also instrumental in the delivery of major national projects, including the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline Expansion, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline and the Nigeria LNG Train 7 project, while representing Nigeria at important international energy forums.

Beyond policy and infrastructure, he noted that Engr. Mohammed has led critical institutions within the energy value chain, having served as Managing Director of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company and the Nigerian Gas Company, as well as chairing boards of strategic energy entities within and outside the NNPC system.

A Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr. Mohammed, Rabiu said, brings a rare blend of technical depth, regulatory insight and global exposure to the NMDPRA.

The NSE expressed confidence that his tenure would usher in greater regulatory stability, boost investor confidence and promote operational excellence, while reaffirming its belief that President Tinubu’s choice would translate into measurable gains for the petroleum sector and the Nigerian economy at large.