The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has expressed satisfaction with the investment strides of Nigerian indigenous oil and gas firms across the country’s energy sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA, Mr. Saidu Mohammed, expressed the Authority’s position during a three-day operational tour of midstream oil and gas facilities in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at the weekend.
Speaking during a facility visit to Aradel Holdings Plc, Mohammed described the midstream segment as the engine room of Nigeria’s economic growth and industrialisation.
He commended Aradel for expanding its investments and urged other indigenous players, particularly within the private sector, to emulate the company’s approach.
“I want to thank Aradel for what they have done and encourage other Nigerians, especially in the private sector, to imitate this and build on it — not only 11,000 barrels per day, but 50,000 or even 100,000 barrels per day,” Mohammed said.
According to him, Nigeria has sufficient domestic demand for petroleum products and gas, stressing the need for cleaner and more diversified energy options.
He noted that while the Dangote Refinery is a major milestone, it alone cannot meet Nigeria’s growing demand or the country’s export ambitions.
“What we desire to see is more of these kinds of assets. The midstream sector is where the growth of the Nigerian economy lies — where we can propel all other sectors from,” he said.
“We need more refineries. Dangote alone will not be enough because our desire is not only to serve the Nigerian market, but also the African continent and beyond.”
Mohammed added that Nigeria should aim to export refined petroleum products, including PMS, to global markets such as Europe and the United States, while ensuring that local demand is met by domestic producers.
He praised Aradel’s expansion programme, noting that by the end of 2026 or early 2027, PMS would be loaded from the facility, describing the development as “incredible and in the right direction.”
According to him, Nigeria’s long-term aspiration is for the entire oil and gas value chain to be driven by Nigerians, a goal that requires substantial private sector investment.
“The midstream sector alone will require between $30 billion and $50 billion in investment. These investments can only come from the private sector, not government anymore,” Mohammed said.
He assured that NMDPRA would continue to provide the right regulatory enablers to attract investments, promote competition and ensure operational excellence across the sector.
Mohammed also disclosed that the Authority is working to guarantee adequate and affordable gas supply nationwide, explaining that increased supply and competition remain the most effective tools for price stability.
“The more supply you have, the lower the price becomes. Affordable pricing can only come through competition, and that is what we want to achieve,” he said, citing the recent decline in PMS prices as evidence of market-driven competition.
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
About the Author
