Dr Raphael Arokoyo Congratulates Rabiu Abdullahi Umar on Prestigious Appointment
Dr. Raphael Arokoyo, Chairman and CEO of AF Ralph Ventures and Marktot Oil and Gas, has extended his warmest congratulations to his close friend, Engr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar, on his appointment as the new Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement, Dr. Arokoyo praised Umar’s remarkable career, spanning over two decades, in the energy sector.
“Mr. Umar’s wealth of experience, strategic vision, and proven track record in transformational leadership make him an ideal fit for this critical role,” he said.
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“His appointment is a testament to his exceptional abilities and dedication to the growth and development of Nigeria’s energy industry.”
“To me, Alhaji Rabiu is an intelligent person… I have no doubt on my mind that he’s going to do greatly well as the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA. He’s a man of integrity, his brilliance is top-notch, and I’m confident that he’s going to perform brilliantly under his watch as the NMDPRA CEO. The expectation is very high, and I pray he’s going to serve our country very well, most importantly in the downstream sector.”
Umar’s impressive career trajectory includes notable positions such as Group Sales and Marketing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Managing Director/CEO of Ashaka Cement Plc, and Energy and Power Director at Lafarge Africa.
His expertise in driving business growth, innovation, and sustainability is expected to be a significant asset to the NMDPRA.
Rabiu started his career at Oando Plc, where he rapidly rose through the ranks, holding various management roles within the marketing business and successfully leading the Sales and Marketing Transformation plan.
In 2014, he joined Lafarge Africa as Energy and Power Director, later taking on the additional responsibility of managing the Strategy and Business Development portfolio for West Africa, where he led the development and execution of critical projects in Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon.
In 2016, he was appointed Managing Director/CEO of Ashaka Cement Plc, where he spearheaded the turnaround of the business until his departure in 2019 to join Dangote Industries Ltd as Group Chief Commercial Officer.
“I am confident that Mr. Umar will bring a fresh perspective and renewed energy to the NMDPRA, driving progress and excellence in the regulation of Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sector,” Dr. Arokoyo said. “I congratulate him on this prestigious appointment and wish him every success in his new role.”
Umar’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation, and his leadership is eagerly anticipated by industry stakeholders.
He charged him to make judicious use of the golden opportunity given to him to serve the nation through the agency, pointed out that to whom much is given, much more is expected.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, APRIL 29TH 2026)
