Headlines
Meet Rabiu Umar, Tinubu’s Nominee for NMDPRA Chief Executive
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Following his nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Mr. Rabiu Abdullahi Umar has come into focus as a seasoned industry professional with extensive experience across Nigeria’s energy and manufacturing sectors.
KANO FOCUS reports that Umar brings over two decades of experience in senior and executive roles, particularly in the downstream petroleum and cement manufacturing industries, with a strong emphasis on transformational leadership.
He began his career at Oando Plc, where he rose through the ranks, holding various management positions within the marketing division. During his time there, he successfully led a Sales and Marketing Transformation Plan that strengthened the company’s commercial operations.
In 2014, he joined Lafarge Africa as Energy and Power Director. He later oversaw Strategy and Business Development for West Africa, where he played a key role in developing and executing major projects across Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon.
Two years later, in 2016, Umar was appointed Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Ashaka Cement Plc, where he led a successful turnaround of the company’s operations before leaving in 2019.
He subsequently joined Dangote Industries Limited as Group Chief Commercial Officer, further strengthening his credentials in large-scale industrial and commercial management.
Beyond his professional achievements, Umar is known for his strong religious commitment, having memorised the Qur’an and served as an Imam leading night prayers during the Ramadan fasting period.
Academically, he holds a degree in Accounting from Bayero University Kano and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School. He is also a member of the Institute of Directors.
If confirmed by the Senate, Umar is expected to bring his wealth of experience and leadership expertise to bear in strengthening regulatory oversight and advancing reforms in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
