Dr. Abdul-Hamid Honored for Leading ARDA to New Heights

Former Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid has brought his remarkable two-term presidency of the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) to an end, handing over the baton of leadership after steering the organization through a period of significant transformation.

Dr. Abdul-Hamid’s time as leader ended with the ARDA Week 2025 celebration, held in Cape Town, South Africa, on April 10^th, 2025; a special event that celebrated new ideas, teamwork, and progress in the industry.

During the ARDA 2025 Week celebration, Dr. Hamid was honored for his great service and leadership.

As the Association presented him with an accolade, he received applause and praise from members, partners, and key figures across Africa.

During Dr. Andul-Hamid’s time as president, ARDA became a key voice in global energy talks.

Under his leadership, the association re-engineered its constitution, breathing new life into its structures to ensure greater inclusivity and dynamism.

“We have put ARDA at the center of all energy conversations around the world,” he noted with visible pride.

The Association’s strategic direction under Dr. Abdul-Hamid has been both ambitious and forward-looking. From constitutional amendments and annual performance reviews to shaping ARDA’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, he guided the Executive Committee with clarity and conviction.

His final meeting also saw the approval of new nominees for President and Vice President; an intentional move to ensure continuity and fresh momentum.

“Together, let’s shape the future of ARDA and elevate the petroleum downstream sector in Africa,” Dr. Hamid stated during the Geneva meeting in January, as he chaired one of his last major sessions.

Chaired by Dr. Hamid himself, the final Executive Committee meeting under his presidency marked a moment of reflection and pride.

“Having served for two terms as President, I shall hand over to a new President on today, Thursday, April 10th, 2025,” he posted on his official Facebook page.

His words echoed a legacy built on vision, reform, and unflagging advocacy for Africa’s downstream energy sector.

In a heartfelt farewell, ARDA’s official Facebook page extended appreciation to all stakeholders and teased grand plans for the association’s 20th anniversary celebration in 2026.

“ARDA Week 2025 was a celebration of progress and partnership,” the statement read.

As Dr. Hamid steps down, he leaves behind a stronger, more resilient ARDA, an organization ready to chart new territories while building on the solid foundation he laid.

“I am proud of the progress we have made. But I know that the best is yet to come,” he affirmed.

Indeed, his departure marks not an end, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Africa’s energy story.