The Authority Chief Executive (ACE) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mallam Rabiu Umar, has held a strategic meeting with the leadership of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration and promote stability in the downstream petroleum sector.
Speaking during the engagement, Mallam Umar described IPMAN as a critical stakeholder in Nigeria's petroleum value chain, noting that independent marketers play a significant role in ensuring the availability of petroleum products nationwide, particularly at the retail level.
He stated that developments in the global energy market continue to influence domestic petroleum product pricing and stressed the Authority's commitment to working closely with stakeholders to maintain business harmony and stability across the industry.
The NMDPRA boss also reiterated the Authority's commitment to consumer protection, warning marketers against under-dispensing and other unethical practices that deprive consumers of value for money.
According to him, operators should take advantage of opportunities emerging from the ongoing energy transition by converting underutilised filling stations into Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) dispensing outlets and electric vehicle charging stations where feasible.
"Consumer protection remains a top priority for the Authority. Marketers must ensure compliance with regulations and embrace new opportunities within the evolving energy landscape," he said.
Responding on behalf of IPMAN, the association's President, , expressed concerns over the impact of frequent petroleum product price fluctuations on independent marketers.
He noted that retailers often bear the brunt of market volatility, resulting in operational challenges and financial losses.
Shettima also raised issues relating to outstanding subsidy-era claims, administrative charges, and difficulties faced by marketers in accessing products directly from domestic refineries.
Despite the challenges, the IPMAN President assured the Authority of the association's continued support and reaffirmed its commitment to regulatory compliance and the promotion of CNG adoption among its members.
Also speaking during the meeting, , Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure (DSSRI), emphasized the need for improved compliance across the retail segment of the petroleum industry.
He described under-dispensing as a major concern capable of eroding public confidence in the sector and disclosed that the Authority is considering stronger enforcement measures, including sanctions for repeat offenders.
However, Ukoha assured stakeholders that the regulator would continue to prioritize engagement and education to encourage voluntary compliance before implementing stricter regulatory actions.
The meeting forms part of NMDPRA's broader stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at promoting transparency, operational efficiency, consumer protection, and the successful transition toward cleaner energy alternatives in Nigeria's downstream petroleum sector.
