The new head of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Rabiu Umar, has announced plans to introduce sweeping operational reforms aimed at improving efficiency, accountability, and regulatory enforcement within the agency.

Umar disclosed this during his first town hall meeting with members of staff at the authority’s headquarters in Abuja. Officials from regional and field offices also joined the session virtually.

Speaking during the engagement, the NMDPRA boss outlined the principles that would guide his administration, stressing the need for stronger discipline in regulatory activities, quicker decision-making processes, and fairness in workplace conduct.

According to him, the authority must operate with greater professionalism and responsiveness in carrying out its responsibilities under the Petroleum Industry Act.

He also urged employees to embrace teamwork, transparency, and accountability to support the agency’s mandate in the oil and gas sector.

The meeting served as an opportunity for staff members to interact with the new leadership and gain insight into the direction of the organisation under Umar’s administration.

Industry observers believe the reform agenda could signal the beginning of a broader restructuring effort within the regulatory body, particularly in areas relating to operational procedures and enforcement standards.

Umar assumed office after President Bola Tinubu approved his appointment in April to lead the agency. His nomination was later confirmed by the Senate.

The leadership change came after the removal of the former chief executive, Saidu Mohammed, who exited the position a few months after taking over from Farouk Ahmed.

The Presidency had explained that the change in leadership was intended to strengthen regulation and improve performance across Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors in line with the administration’s economic agenda.