December 24, (THEWILL) — Seplat Energy Plc has announced that Saidu Mohammed has formally withdrawn his acceptance of an appointment to the company’s board following his recent appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The energy company disclosed the development in a regulatory filing, noting that Mohammed’s decision was prompted by his new role as head of the downstream petroleum regulator, which exercises direct regulatory oversight over companies operating within Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain.
According to Seplat Energy, the withdrawal was communicated shortly after Mohammed’s appointment as NMDPRA CEO and before he assumed any responsibilities on the company’s board, effectively rendering the appointment null.
Market observers view the move as consistent with corporate governance and conflict-of-interest standards, given the NMDPRA’s regulatory authority over petroleum midstream and downstream operations, including licensing, pricing frameworks, and compliance enforcement for industry participants.
Seplat Energy stated that the withdrawal will not affect the company’s governance structure, operations, or strategic objectives, adding that the board continues to function effectively under its existing leadership.
The company did not indicate plans to immediately fill the vacant board position, noting that any future appointment would be communicated to the market in line with regulatory requirements.
Mohammed’s appointment as NMDPRA CEO comes at a time of heightened regulatory activity in Nigeria’s energy sector, with increased focus on market reforms, pricing transparency, and operational compliance across midstream and downstream segments.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze
