Victor EzejaThe Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has applauded the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for modernizing licensing processes, which it said have attracted $1.2 billion in investments in modular refineries since 2022.
In a statement, signed by the Executive Secretary of DAPPMAN, Olufemi Adewole, the group credited the NMDPRA, led by Farouk Ahmed, with strategic regulatory oversight for the stability, innovation, energy access, and ongoing growth in Nigeria’s oil and gas downstream sector.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHighlighting other achievements of the NMDPRA, Adewole cited a Security Report by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) , which stated that the agency’s more stringent anti-smuggling policies have led to a drop in cross-border fuel diversion by 35 per cent.
Other notable accomplishments of the NMDPRA, he added, were regulatory predictability driving long-term planning and investments; zero tolerance for adulterated products yielding improved fuel quality, with 98 percent compliance in major depots; and enhanced innovation and compliance enforcement through the Automated Downstream System (ADS), which is reducing hoarding and illegal sales through real-time monitoring of product distribution.
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He asserted that the increased operational efficiency, product availability, and investor confidence in the downstream sector have been made possible by the NMDPRA’s “firm, fair, and functional” leadership.
He also stated that NMDPRA’s commitment to competitiveness has helped to lower petroleum product prices in the country.
DAPPMAN stated that the agency’s regulatory framework has enabled the Nigerian government to reduce the number of illegal refineries and improve petroleum product quality across the country.
“The commitment of the NMDPRA is to fostering a competitive market, enhancing energy security, and encouraging innovation as the sector responds to unfolding global oil and gas market challenges and opportunities.
“We have witnessed an unprecedented reduction in illegal refining and improved product quality through the Authority’s enforcement of standards,” DAPPMAN said.
The group insisted that the NMDPRA, led by Ahmed, is revolutionizing the industry and that DAPPMAN would keep assisting and cooperating with the government to develop sustainability in the industry and improve access to top-notch energy solutions throughout the country.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
