Saidu Aliyu Mohammed Biography: Early Life, Education, Age, Career and Recognitions

Saidu Aliyu Mohammed Biography

Saidu Aliyu Mohammed is a well known expert in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. In December 2025, President Bola Tinubu nominated him as the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). This role is key because NMDPRA oversees refining, distribution, and sales of petroleum products in the country. Saidu brings over 37 years of experience to this position. He is a chemical engineer who has worked on major gas projects. His nomination came after the former CEO resigned. Many see Saidu as a strong leader who can help improve regulation in the energy field. This article looks at his life, work, and what his new role might mean for Nigeria.

Saidu Aliyu Mohammed Early Life and Education

Saidu Aliyu Mohammed was born on July 17, 1957, in Gombe State, Nigeria. Gombe is in the northern part of the country. He grew up there and went to local schools. He attended Government Science Secondary School in Gombe. He also studied at the North East College of Arts and Science in Maiduguri. These schools gave him a solid start in science subjects.

In 1981, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. This university is one of the top schools in Nigeria for engineering.

His education helped him build skills in technical areas. These skills later proved useful in his long career in oil and gas. Coming from Gombe, he represents how people from different parts of Nigeria can rise to important national roles.

Saidu Aliyu Mohammed Career

Saidu Aliyu Mohammed spent most of his career at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). He started early and moved up through hard work.

He served as Managing Director of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company. Later, he became Managing Director of the Nigerian Gas Company. In these jobs, he handled refining and gas operations.

From 2016 to 2019, he was Group Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer for Gas and Power at NNPC. This was a top role. He led efforts to grow the use of natural gas in Nigeria. He helped create the Nigerian Gas Master Plan. This plan aims to use more gas for power and industry. He also worked on the Gas Network Code, which sets rules for gas transport.

Saidu played a big part in key projects. One is the expansion of the Escravos Lagos Pipeline System. This brings gas to the west of Nigeria. Another is the Ajaokuta Kaduna Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline. This large project moves gas from south to north.

He contributed to the Petroleum Industry Act, a major law that changed how the sector works. He also helped with Nigeria LNG projects and the West African Gas Pipeline.

After retiring from NNPC in 2019, he started GasXperts Nigeria Limited, where he is CEO. In December 2025, he was appointed as an independent non executive director at Seplat Energy, starting in January 2026.

His career shows deep knowledge in gas development. Nigeria wants to use more gas to reduce flaring and boost the economy. Saidu’s work has helped in these areas.

Saidu Aliyu Mohammed Personal Life

Not much public information exists about Saidu Aliyu Mohammed’s personal life. He keeps his family matters private. Like many professionals in Nigeria, he focuses public attention on his work. He is known as a calm and disciplined leader. Details about his wife, children, or hobbies are not widely shared. This is common for people in high positions in the energy sector.

Saidu Aliyu Mohammed 2025 Appointment

On December 17, 2025, President Bola Tinubu nominated Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as CEO of NMDPRA. This followed the resignation of the previous CEO, Engineer Farouk Ahmed. The President sent the nomination to the Senate for confirmation.

NMDPRA regulates the midstream and downstream parts of the petroleum industry. This includes pipelines, refineries, and fuel distribution. The agency makes sure operations are safe and fair.

Saidu’s experience in gas and policy makes him a good fit. Leaders like the Governor of Gombe State praised the choice. They said it shows trust in people from Gombe and that Saidu can help with energy reforms.

If confirmed, he will work on better rules for fuel supply and support local refining.

Saidu Aliyu Mohammed Recognitions

Saidu Aliyu Mohammed has earned respect in his field. He is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. He is also a Fellow and past President of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers.

He served as past President of the Nigeria Gas Association. This group promotes gas use in the country. He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Institute of Directors.

He chaired boards like the West African Gas Pipeline Company and some Nigeria LNG groups. These roles show trust from the industry.

His work on gas projects is seen as a big achievement for Nigeria’s energy goals.

Conclusion

Saidu Aliyu Mohammed has built a strong career in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. From his education in chemical engineering to leading major projects at NNPC, he has shown skill and leadership. His focus on natural gas has helped the country move toward better energy use.

Now, as the nominated CEO of NMDPRA, he has a chance to shape rules for petroleum products. Nigeria faces challenges like fuel shortages and the need for clean energy. Saidu’s experience can help solve these.

His story inspires young engineers, especially from northern Nigeria. It shows how education and hard work can lead to national service. As the Senate reviews his nomination, many hope he will bring positive change to the sector.

FAQs

Who is Saidu Aliyu Mohammed?

He is a chemical engineer and energy expert nominated as CEO of NMDPRA in December 2025.

What is his educational background?

He has a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, earned in 1981.

What are his main career achievements?

He led gas projects at NNPC, including the AKK pipeline and the Gas Master Plan.

When was he nominated for NMDPRA CEO?

President Tinubu nominated him on December 17, 2025, after the previous CEO resigned.

What does NMDPRA do?

It regulates midstream and downstream petroleum activities, like refining and distribution.

Has he received any professional recognitions?

Yes, he is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and past President of the Nigeria Gas Association.

What projects did he work on?

Key ones include the Escravos Lagos Pipeline expansion and contributions to the Petroleum Industry Act.