The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Umar Rabiu, has outlined an ambitious agenda to reform Nigeria’s energy sector and strengthen fuel supply nationwide. Rabiu, recently nominated by President Bola Tinubu to lead the regulator, said his priority is to eliminate bottlenecks in the petroleum supply chain and guarantee consistent availability of petrol, diesel and other key products.
Speaking at recent industry engagements and in a series of public statements, he pledged to focus on energy security, improved infrastructure and better coordination with operators and other government agencies. He stressed that the Authority would maintain strategic stock buffers and strengthen monitoring of depots, filling stations and transport corridors to curb product hoarding and sharp practices.
Rabiu’s agenda builds on ongoing reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act, which current and former NMDPRA leaders say have already helped save Nigeria trillions of naira and reduce reliance on fuel imports. With the ramp up of domestic refining, especially increased petrol supply from the Dangote Refinery and other modular plants, the Authority expects local availability to keep improving over the coming months.
The NMDPRA boss has also highlighted the importance of clear, predictable regulation and policy consistency to attract new investment into pipelines, storage facilities and gas infrastructure. He noted that expanding natural gas utilisation for power, industry and transport will be central to Nigeria’s long term energy transition and economic growth plans.
Over the next five years, the Authority plans to prioritise four key pillars: becoming a best in class regulator through increased automation and ISO certification, ensuring secure and sustainable energy supply, deepening gas infrastructure, and promoting competitive, consumer friendly markets. Rabiu said NMDPRA will work closely with marketers, refiners, security agencies and state governments to deliver visible improvements that Nigerians can feel at filling stations and in their daily lives.
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