NMDPRA proposes 138 rules to curb petroleum market abuse

…Unveils framework to check monopoly, collusion, abuse of dominance By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja ABUJA — The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, has unveiled proposed regulations comprising 138 rules aimed at curbing monopoly, abuse of market dominance, collusion and other anti-competitive practices in Nigeria’s petroleum midstream and downstream sectors. The proposed Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Prevention of Anti-Competitive Practices and Behaviour Regulations, 2026 are also designed to guarantee open and non-discriminatory access to critical petroleum infrastructure, improve market transparency and promote fair competition. Speaking at a stakeholders’ consultation forum on the proposed regulations in Abuja, NMDPRA Chief Executive, Mallam Rabiu Umar, said the framework was being developed pursuant to Section 216 of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, 2021.

Umar said the regulations would strengthen the midstream and downstream sectors by preventing anti-competitive practices, addressing abuse of dominance and promoting fair access to essential infrastructure. According to him, the Authority had received submissions from stakeholders on the draft and would consider their views before finalising the regulations. He said: “The proposed regulations are intended to strengthen the midstream and downstream petroleum sector by preventing anti-competitive practices, addressing abuse of dominance, promoting fair and non-discriminatory access to essential infrastructure, and also enhancing transparency and market efficiency.” Umar said effective regulation must provide certainty for investors, support innovation, promote efficient markets and protect the integrity of the petroleum sector.

“This is therefore a consultation in the true sense of the word. We are here to listen, to learn and improve the draft where necessary,” he said. The NMDPRA chief also disclosed that the Authority had recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, to strengthen the regulatory framework for competition in the petroleum sector.

He said the mandates of both agencies were complementary, adding that the MoU would help strengthen regulatory coordination. Giving an overview of the proposed regulations, NMDPRA Secretary and Legal Adviser, Dr Joseph Tolorunse, said the draft cont… …Proposes 138 regulations on competition across oil value chain By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja ABUJA — The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, has unveiled proposed regulations aimed at curbing monopoly, abuse of market dominance, collusion and other anti-competitive practices in Nigeria’s petroleum midstream and downstream sectors.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ consultation forum on the regulations in Abuja, NMDPRA Chief Executive, Mallam Rabiu Umar, said the framework was being developed pursuant to Section 216 of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, 2021. Umar said the regulations would strengthen the sector by preventing anti-competitive practices, addressing abuse of dominance and promoting fair access to essential infrastructure. He said the Authority had received submissions from stakeholders on the draft and would consider their views before finalising the regulations.

He said the proposed rules were intended to enhance transparency, market efficiency and certainty for investors while promoting innovation and competition. We are here to listen, to learn and improve the draft where necessary,” Umar said. He said the mandates of both agencies were complementary and that the agreement would improve regulatory coordination.