The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, on Tuesday, revealed its intent to tighten and overhaul guidelines for the licensing and operation of petroleum facilities across the country.

The Authority Chief Executive Officer, Farouk Ahmed, disclosed this during a workshop with stakeholders in Abuja.

Ahmed, in the official X (formerly Twitter) of NAMDPRA, also issued a stern charge to all departmental heads, emphasising the paramount importance of upholding due process and ensuring strict adherence to regulatory standards at all field offices.

The Initiative, Ahmed added it underscored the Authority’s commitment to enhancing regulatory standards and ensuring operational excellence within the vital sector.

Ahmed told stakeholders to “Engage in thorough deliberations, aiming to develop clear, practical, and robust guidelines that will foster operational excellence throughout the midstream and downstream petroleum value chain.”

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director for Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure, Mr. Ogbugo Ukoha, reiterated the Authority’s unwavering commitment to its core objectives.

“We are committed to standardising operations, boosting investor confidence, and most importantly, safeguarding public interest,” Mr. Ukoha stated, highlighting the multi-faceted benefits expected from the updated guidelines.

The comprehensive review is expected to address existing gaps, streamline processes, and ultimately create a more efficient, transparent, and secure environment for petroleum operations in Nigeria, benefiting both operators and the general public. (The PUNCH)