The Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has rolled out new guidelines for petrol import licensing, replacing the former framework managed by the now-defunct Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR). These updated rules are designed to make the import process more efficient while enforcing compliance with penalties and fines.
Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, stated that the agency will soon release a consolidated document containing the new regulations. This reform, aligned with Section 216 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), was discussed during a stakeholder meeting on October 15, 2024, in Abuja.
Ahmed further noted that the guidelines will combine 12 previously gazetted regulations into a single, user-friendly document, which will be used alongside other relevant rules, such as the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Fees Regulations.
The agency’s legal adviser, Joseph Tolorunse, explained that the objective is to harmonize all 16 draft regulations for easier implementation and reference. Energy experts expect these guidelines, including the new fines and penalties, to be published soon in the Federal Government Gazette.
