The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) have officially launched a 10-member Joint-Technical Working Committee aimed at boosting consumer protection and fair competition within Nigeria’s energy sector.
Representing the NMDPRA at the inauguration event in Abuja, Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure (DSSRI), emphasized the committee’s role in addressing persistent complaints related to market competition and service quality in the oil and gas industry.
According to an official statement from NMDPRA on Wednesday, the committee is tasked with sharing critical market intelligence, monitoring and investigating any anti-competitive behavior, and ensuring that consumers receive adequate protection across the sector.
The leadership of this new body includes Omagu Nwachukwu, Deputy Director of Surveillance and Investigation at FCCPC, and Charles Nwachukwu, who heads the Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre at NMDPRA.
Beyond these responsibilities, the committee is expected to proactively identify emerging risks that could disrupt the market, escalating such concerns to senior executives in both agencies for timely intervention.
This development follows a recent high-level meeting on September 4, 2025, when NMDPRA’s Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, and his management team visited FCCPC headquarters to meet with Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive, Mr. Tunji Bello. The discussions focused on fostering stronger collaboration to ensure fair pricing and maximize value for consumers in the energy space.
NMDPRA has reiterated that its partnership with FCCPC will help create a level playing field for operators, prevent monopolistic dominance, and facilitate prosecution where investigations reveal breaches of competition laws.
As Nigeria’s regulator for midstream and downstream petroleum activities, NMDPRA’s mandate includes driving efficiency, safety, and fairness in the market. Meanwhile, FCCPC remains committed to protecting consumers by promoting healthy competition and preventing market abuses.
Together, this joint effort marks a significant stride toward a more transparent, competitive, and consumer-friendly oil and gas sector in Nigeria.
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