The Senate on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Rabiu Umar as the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), reinforcing the federal government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and regulatory oversight across Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The confirmation, which took place during plenary in Abuja on May 7, 2026, followed the presentation and adoption of a report by the Senate Joint Committees on Downstream Petroleum Sector and Gas.
Presenting the report, Senator Abdulrahman Kawu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum Sector, stated that Umar’s nomination complied fully with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). He noted that the nominee demonstrated the technical expertise, professional competence and industry experience required to lead the nation’s midstream and downstream petroleum regulatory framework.
According to the committee, Umar was cleared after lawmakers reviewed his credentials, professional records and other supporting documents submitted during the screening exercise. The Senate also disclosed that no petition or adverse report was received against the nominee throughout the confirmation process.
Following deliberations at the Committee of the Whole, the upper legislative chamber formally approved his appointment.
In a related development, the Senate also confirmed Mainasara Illo as Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre (NADC), a move seen as critical to safeguarding the integrity of Nigerian sports and strengthening the country’s compliance with international anti-doping standards.
The confirmation followed the consideration of a report presented by the Senate Joint Committee on Sports Development and Drugs and Narcotics, chaired by Senator Abdul Ningi.
Lawmakers noted that the establishment and strengthening of the anti-doping centre had become increasingly important as Nigeria continues to gain international recognition through the performances of its athletes in global sporting competitions. The committee warned that previous doping-related infractions had resulted in sanctions, athlete disqualifications, medal losses and reputational setbacks for the country.
The Senate said a fully functional anti-doping centre would position Nigeria among countries with credible testing, compliance and athlete protection systems while also enhancing the nation’s standing within the global sports community.
In line with the provisions of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Act 2025, the Senate unanimously confirmed Illo’s appointment after deliberations by the Committee of the Whole.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the joint committees for their swift handling of the screening exercises and expressed confidence that the newly confirmed officials would strengthen institutional performance in their respective sectors.
The Senate also approved the appointment of Francis Asogwah as Commissioner of the Nigerian Law Reform Commission (NLRC).
Additionally, the upper chamber confirmed seven nominees as commissioners of the National Population Commission representing different states of the federation.
Those confirmed include Kolawole Alabi (Ekiti), Nasiru Muazu (Zamfara), Usman Tuga (Bauchi), Isiaka Yahaya (Kwara), Sadiq Rada (Katsina), Suleiman Umar (Jigawa), and Chiso Datijo (Sokoto).
