President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mrs Jumoke Gafar, a former Principal Private Secretary to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as Secretary to the Board/Authority and Legal Adviser of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The strategic federal appointment is subject to the completion of statutory processes outlined under Section 46 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The development was disclosed in an official State House press statement issued on Friday, October 30, 2026, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Reacting to the appointment, the lawmaker representing Share/Oke-Ode State Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Owolabi Rasaq, congratulated Gafar, characterizing the career elevation as a notable professional milestone.

Hon. Owolabi expressed confidence in her capacity to contribute meaningfully to the regulatory agency's administrative oversight, while wishing her success in her new national assignment.

He also commended President Tinubu for finding Gafar worthy of the strategic position, highlighting the significance of her operational role in guiding the NMDPRA's legal and administrative functions.

The presidential announcement also detailed the nomination of six executive directors for the regulatory authority, subject to formal confirmation by the Senate.

The nominees comprise three returning executive directors: Mr Abiodun Adeniji (Finance and Accounts); Mr Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha (Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure); and Dr Mustapha Lamorde (Health, Safety, Environment and Community).

The three newly appointed nominees are Mr Mobolaji Tajudeen Musa (Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installations and Transportation Infrastructure); Ms Ogechukwu Modie (Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning); and Mr Said Abutalib (Corporate Services and Administration).

President Tinubu called on the Senate to accelerate the screening and confirmation process for the six nominees to guarantee operational continuity and reinforce the regulatory body's institutional framework.

The latest appointments follow the earlier elevation of Engr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as the Chief Executive Officer of the NMDPRA in April.