- NMDPRA introduces transparent oil and gas regulations covering refinery licensing, operations, and investments.
- Reforms strengthen investor confidence, crude supply systems, and domestic refining capacity.
Transparent oil and gas regulations are transforming Nigeria’s petroleum industry. According to Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the new framework provides clarity, consistency, and investor confidence.
Ahmed, represented by NMDPRA’s South-West Regional Coordinator, Ayo Cardoso, made this known at the 2025 COREN Summit in Lagos. The “Refinery – Key to Energy Security in Africa” summit highlighted Nigeria’s progress toward refining self-sufficiency.
He explained that the NMDPRA has gazetted 18 comprehensive regulations covering all phases of refinery development. These transparent oil and gas regulations guide projects from licensing through construction to daily operations. Significantly, they were developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders to ensure fairness and practicality.
“These rules provide regulatory certainty,” Ahmed said. “They make Nigeria’s energy environment more predictable and attractive to investors.”
Furthermore, Ahmed stated that the Authority guarantees a consistent crude supply to all licensed refineries through structured nomination systems. In addition, efficient logistics ensure refined products reach markets without delays. He added that Naira-denominated crude sales protect refiners from foreign exchange risks, supporting long-term financial stability.
He emphasised that policy consistency and transparency are essential for investor trust. Therefore, downstream liberalisation and modern transportation codes are part of the 2025 Refining Acceleration Plan.
Nigeria’s refining capacity continues to expand. Projects such as the Dangote Refinery and several modular refineries drive this transformation. As a result, the nation is gradually shifting from crude exports to refined product exports, strengthening energy sovereignty and economic resilience.
Ahmed also commended sessions like Women in Refining at the COREN Summit and discussions on private refining as catalysts for growth. “Refining embodies national strength and resilience,” he concluded. “At NMDPRA, we regulate with clarity, facilitate with credibility, and lead with courage.”