AbdulRazaq’s former aide, Jumoke Gafar appointed NMDPRA Secretary, Legal Adviser

Owolabi congratulates ex-Kwara PPS, appreciates Tinubu

A former Principal Private Secretary to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Mrs Jumoke Gafar, has been appointed Secretary to the Board/Authority and Legal Adviser of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved Gafar’s appointment, subject to the completion of statutory processes under Section 46 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The appointment was disclosed in a State House press release issued on Friday, October 30, 2026, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and obtained by The Informant247.

Reacting to the development, a member representing Share/Oke-Ode State Constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Owolabi Rasaq, congratulated Gafar, describing her appointment as a significant professional milestone.

Owolabi expressed confidence in her ability to contribute meaningfully to the effective administration of the regulatory authority, wishing her success in her new responsibility.

He also commended President Tinubu for considering Gafar for the strategic federal appointment, noting the importance of her role in supporting the regulatory and administrative functions of the NMDPRA.

The presidential announcement also disclosed the nomination of six executive directors for the authority, subject to Senate confirmation.

The nominees include three returning executive directors: Mr Abiodun Adeniji, nominated as Executive Director, Finance and Accounts; Mr Ogbugo Kalu Ukoha, Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure; and Dr Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community.

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

President Tinubu has urged the Senate to expedite consideration of the six nominations to ensure institutional continuity and strengthen the authority’s oversight capacity.

The appointments and nominations follow the appointment of Engr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar as Chief Executive of the NMDPRA in April.