The Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, Mallam Rabiu Umar, on Wednesday held a meeting with the leadership of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, as part of ongoing stakeholder engagements in the downstream sector.
Speaking during the meeting, Mallam Umar described IPMAN as a critical stakeholder in the petroleum value chain, noting that its members play a vital role in ensuring product availability across the country, especially at the retail level.
He said recent developments in the global energy market have continued to impact domestic petroleum product pricing. The Authority, he added, is working with industry players to promote stability and business harmony in the sector.
The ACE stressed that consumer protection remains a top priority. He warned against under-dispensing and other practices that shortchange consumers.
Mallam Umar also urged marketers to take advantage of opportunities in the energy transition, including converting underutilised retail outlets into Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, dispensing facilities and electric vehicle charging stations where feasible.
Speaking for IPMAN, the Association’s President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, expressed concerns over the impact of frequent product price changes on independent marketers. He said retailers often bear the burden of market volatility.
He also raised issues relating to outstanding subsidy-era claims, administrative charges, and challenges with direct access to products from domestic refineries.
The IPMAN President assured the Authority of the association’s continued support and reaffirmed its commitment to compliance and the promotion of CNG adoption among members.
The Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure, DSSRI, Ogbugo Ukoha, emphasised the need for greater compliance in the retail segment, particularly on under-dispensing.
He described the practice as a major concern that undermines consumer confidence. He said the Authority is considering stronger enforcement measures, including sanctions against serial offenders, but will continue to engage operators and encourage compliance before resorting to stricter actions.
The meeting is part of NMDPRA’s efforts to deepen collaboration with stakeholders as Nigeria navigates pricing dynamics and energy transition in the downstream sector.
