Who is Saidu Aliyu Mohammed? New NMDPRA CEO

Saidu Aliyu Mohammed is a seasoned Nigerian engineer and energy expert widely respected for his long and influential career in the oil and gas sector, particularly at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

Known for his quiet influence and strong technical background, Mohammed built a reputation as one of the key drivers of Nigeria’s gas development strategy.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently appointed him as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA. The nomination followed the resignation of the agency’s former chief executive, Engineer Farouk Ahmed.

Background

Born on July 17, 1957, in Gombe State, Mohammed’s early education took him through the North-East College of Arts and Science in Maiduguri and Government Secondary School, Gombe.

He later gained admission to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he studied Chemical Engineering and earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

Career journey

His professional journey is closely tied to NNPC, where he spent over 37 years serving in various technical and leadership roles.

Over time, he rose through the ranks and was entrusted with some of the company’s most sensitive and strategic operations.

He served as Managing Director of the Nigerian Gas Company and later headed the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, positions that placed him at the centre of Nigeria’s energy supply and infrastructure management.

In 2016, Mohammed was appointed Group Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Gas and Power Directorate at NNPC.

In that role, he oversaw major gas and power initiatives until his retirement from the national oil company in 2019.

He is widely regarded as one of the professionals who helped shape Nigeria’s modern gas policy.

Mohammed played a key role in developing the Nigerian Gas Master Plan and contributed to the establishment of the West African Gas Pipeline Authority.

He was also involved in the execution of major gas infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System and the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano gas pipeline, both seen as critical to boosting domestic gas supply and industrial growth.

International engagements

Beyond Nigeria, Mohammed represented the country on the Executive Board of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, giving him exposure to global gas policy and international energy diplomacy.

He also served as Chairman of the Board of the West African Gas Pipeline Company and N-Gas in Bermuda, while sitting on the board of Nigeria LNG Limited.

After leaving public service, he remained active in the private sector. He became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GasXperts Nigeria Limited and later served as an Independent Director on the board of Asharami Energy Limited, bringing his experience to advisory and governance roles.

Professionally, Mohammed is registered with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria.

He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a Fellow and former President of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers.

He also previously served as President of the Nigeria Gas Association.

In addition, he is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Institute of Directors, reflecting his blend of technical expertise and corporate leadership experience.