Tunde Bakare
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has set out a list of priority measures that will ensure the industry’s ability to maintain investment opportunities.
The new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Agency Rabiu Umar, mentioned the measures to include elimination of supply bottlenecks, strengthening of energy security, and ensuring stable fuel availability nationwide.
Speaking during his screening at the senate, Umar said his agenda would focus on supply resilience, regulatory efficiency, and investor confidence.
He said global disruptions, such as tensions around strategic shipping corridors including the Strait of Hormuz, would continue to influence fuel prices globally, but stressed that Nigeria must build a system capable of withstanding external shocks.
“Global events may affect prices, but they should not define Nigeria’s stability,” he said.
“Our task is to build a petroleum system strong enough to absorb shocks, protect supply, and keep homes, industries, and transport moving in every season.”
Umar also promised to strengthen the operational readiness of Nigeria’s 22 depots, ensure adequate stock buffers nationwide and work closely with relevant agencies and industry stakeholders to guarantee product availability across the country.
The new NMDPRA CEO also announced “a bold” reform vision for the authority, promising to reposition it as both an efficient regulator and a catalyst for investment, growth, and market confidence by removing unnecessary administrative barriers and improving service delivery.
“The NMDPRA under my leadership will be firm in regulation, fair in conduct, and fast in execution,” Umar said.
“We will protect standards, unlock investment, remove avoidable bottlenecks, and make this authority a model of professionalism and economic value creation.”
Earlier on Thursday, the senate confirmed Umar as chief executive of the NMDPRA following his screening on May 5, 2026.
He was initially nominated on April 29 by President Bola Tinubu as part of efforts to strengthen regulatory effectiveness and accelerate reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).