By Emma Peter, Abuja
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has commenced consultations with industry stakeholders on its draft Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Prevention of Anti-Competitive Practices and Behaviour Regulations, 2026.
The proposed regulations, developed pursuant to Section 216 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, are aimed at strengthening competition, promoting transparency and ensuring a fair and efficient petroleum market.
Opening the Stakeholders’ Consultation, the Chief Executive of the Authority, Mallam Rabiu A. Umar, stressed the importance of effective regulation in providing certainty for investors, encouraging sustainable investment and protecting the integrity of the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.
Umar urged stakeholders to bring their practical industry experience and expertise to the consultation process, noting that their contributions would help strengthen the proposed regulatory framework and ensure that it responds effectively to market realities.
Presenting the draft framework, the Authority’s Secretary/Legal Adviser, Dr. Joseph Tolorunse, outlined several key provisions contained in the proposed regulations.
These include requirements for open access to petroleum infrastructure, prohibition of cartels and collusive practices, greater pricing transparency, measures against abuse of dominant market positions, and regulatory scrutiny of contracts, mergers and other transactions that could affect competition.
The proposed framework also addresses emerging issues in the digital economy, including digital markets and the use of artificial intelligence in pricing, reflecting the changing nature of competition within the petroleum industry.
According to the Authority, the regulations will also provide for greater coordination with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), while empowering the NMDPRA to monitor relevant markets, investigate suspected violations and impose or recommend appropriate corrective measures.
The Authority called on industry participants to carefully review their existing pricing models, infrastructure access arrangements, affiliate transactions and corporate governance structures in light of the proposed regulatory requirements.
It said the ongoing consultation provides an opportunity for stakeholders to make informed submissions that could contribute to the development of a balanced and effective framework for preventing anti-competitive practices in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.
