Authority Chief Executive (ACE) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mallam Rabiu Umar, don hold meeting with leaders of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) as part of efforts to strengthen engagement with key players in the downstream petroleum sector.
During the meeting, Rabiu Umar describe IPMAN as one of the most important stakeholders for Nigeria’s petroleum value chain, noting say independent marketers play a major role in making sure petroleum products reach consumers across the country, especially for retail outlets.
The ACE explain say recent developments in the global energy market continue to affect fuel prices within Nigeria, adding say the Authority dey work closely with stakeholders to promote stability, cooperation and smooth business operations across the industry.
According to am, consumer protection remains one of NMDPRA’s major priorities. He warn marketers against under-dispensing and other sharp practices wey fit shortchange customers, stressing say such actions damage public confidence in the sector.
Rabiu Umar also encourage marketers to take advantage of opportunities created by the global energy transition. He advise operators to consider converting underutilised filling stations into Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) dispensing centres and electric vehicle charging stations where possible.
Speaking on behalf of IPMAN, the association’s President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, raise concerns over the impact of frequent fuel price changes on independent marketers.
According to him, retail marketers often bear the biggest burden whenever prices fluctuate, leading to financial losses and operational challenges.
He also highlight issues relating to outstanding subsidy-era claims, administrative charges and difficulties marketers face in accessing petroleum products directly from local refineries.
The IPMAN President, however, assured the Authority of the association’s continued support and commitment to regulatory compliance. He also pledged that IPMAN members would continue to promote the adoption of CNG across the country.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure (DSSRI), Mr. Ogbugo Ukoha, emphasised the need for stronger compliance among retail operators.
He described under-dispensing as a serious issue that undermines consumer trust and warned that the Authority may introduce tougher enforcement measures, including sanctions for operators found repeatedly violating regulations.
Ukoha, however, assured stakeholders that NMDPRA would continue to engage industry players and encourage voluntary compliance before applying stricter regulatory actions.
He reiterated the Authority’s commitment to ensuring fairness, transparency and consumer protection within Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
