Lokpobiri Tasks New NMDPRA Chief on Ending Tanker Explosions, Boosting Downstream Growth

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has urged the newly appointed Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, to prioritise ending the recurring tanker explosions across the country.
Lokpobiri made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday following a familiarisation visit by the new NMDPRA chief to his office. He stressed that addressing safety concerns in the downstream sector, particularly tanker explosions, must remain a top priority for the regulator.
According to the minister, the explosions, which have claimed lives and destroyed property in the past, have largely been curtailed, but sustained efforts are needed to eliminate them completely.
Lokpobiri explained that the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector by President Bola Tinubu was designed to allow businesses to thrive, strengthen the industry, and expand Nigeria’s oil prosperity.
He noted that regulatory agencies would ultimately be assessed based on how many businesses they enable to operate successfully, rather than the volume of regulations they introduce.
“Regulatory agencies will ultimately be judged by the number of businesses they enable, not by the number of regulations they implement, because the sustainability of our economy lies in more vibrant, compliant businesses,” the minister said.
He added that the ministry would continue to work closely with the NMDPRA to ensure uninterrupted petrol supply across the country, assuring stakeholders of improved efficiency in regulatory processes.
Lokpobiri further disclosed that under the #RenewedHope Administration, no licence application stays on his desk for more than 24 hours without action, underscoring the government’s commitment to ease of doing business in the energy sector.
Commending the new NMDPRA chief executive, the minister urged him to bring his best to the role as Nigeria’s energy landscape undergoes significant transformation.
“The very essence of downstream sector deregulation by President Bola Tinubu is to allow businesses to thrive, strengthen the sector, and expand our national oil prosperity,” Lokpobiri stated.