Fuel Smuggling Drops by 35% as NMDPRA Steps In
The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has praised the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for reducing fuel smuggling by 35%. This success is the result of tougher rules and better monitoring systems.
In a statement shared on Monday, DAPPMAN’s Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, said the efforts of NMDPRA have brought stability, growth, and innovation to Nigeria’s fuel sector. He described the leadership of NMDPRA as “firm, fair, and functional.”
According to Adewole, the current head of the NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, is transforming the petroleum industry. He added that DAPPMAN will continue working with the agency to make sure Nigerians have better access to clean and reliable energy.
The group also said that NMDPRA’s work has helped reduce fuel scarcity across the country. Their partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and other groups has improved the supply of petrol nationwide.
Thanks to clear and fair rules, more private companies are now investing in building and running refineries in Nigeria. According to NMDPRA’s latest report, about $1.2 billion has been invested in modular refineries since 2022.
Adewole listed several big achievements by the NMDPRA. These include reducing illegal fuel hoarding with real-time product monitoring, stopping the sale of dirty or fake petrol, and making sure 98% of major depots now meet quality standards.
He also credited the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for giving NMDPRA the power to make market-based policies. This includes removing fuel subsidies and allowing open competition in the fuel market.
DAPPMAN encouraged all groups in the fuel business to support the NMDPRA so Nigeria can build a strong, modern energy system that supports more jobs, investment, and cleaner fuels. The group believes working together is the key to long-term success.
