adsThe Nigeria Midstream, Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has declared all unlicensed midstream and downstream petroleum activities illegal, signalling a sweeping regulatory crackdown on non-compliant operators across the value chain.
The industry regulator, in a circular signed by Abiodun Adeniji, Authority Chief Executive, NMDPRA, stated that no person shall establish, construct, operate or undertake any midstream or downstream petroleum activity except with an appropriate licence, permit or authorisation granted by the Authority in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act.
The circular, which was sighted by BusinessDay, was addressed to managing directors/ CEOs of oil and gas midstream companies, downstream companies, petrochemical and fertiliser companies, and oil and gas import and export terminals.
It maintained that all midstream and downstream petroleum operations, including refining, processing, storage, bulk transportation, pipelines, gas transportation networks, terminals, jetties, wholesale supply, importation, exportation, distribution and sale of natural gas and petroleum liquids, are subject to the regulatory oversight of the Authority.
“The Petroleum Industry Act 2021 (PIA) was enacted to establish clear, distinct and comprehensive regulatory institutions for the Nigerian petroleum industry. Pursuant to sections 29, 31, 32 and 33 of the PIA, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Authority) is the statutory regulator responsible for the technical, commercial, operational and licensing regulation of all midstream and downstream petroleum operations in Nigeria.adsads
