Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The House of Representatives on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to comprehensive energy sector reform during the First Annual Downstream Petroleum Week, organised by the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream). The House urged the Federal Government and key stakeholders to overhaul the downstream petroleum sector to ensure greater efficiency and sustainability.
Speaking at the conference, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Authority Chief Executive, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, represented by Mr Bashir Sadiq, Executive Director, Corporate Services & Administration, gave an overview of the current state of downstream regulation, highlighting progress achieved, existing challenges, and the Authority’s role in safeguarding energy security and market stability.
He outlined NMDPRA’s strategic initiatives in ensuring product availability, implementing licensing reforms, strengthening price regulation, and addressing stakeholders’ concerns through collaborative engagement.
The conference, held in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the NMDPRA, convened industry professionals, regulatory agencies, and key stakeholders, including representatives of the NUPRC, NNPC, NCDMB, MEMAN, DAPPMAN, CORAN, Dangote, and PETROAN, among others.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a Meritorious Award of Excellence to the NMDPRA Chief Executive by the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream). The award recognised Engr Ahmed’s exemplary service and visionary leadership, which have contributed significantly to translating the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) from policy into tangible national progress.
In another development, Engr. Farouk Ahmed delivered a Special Guest of Honour address at the opening of the 18th NAEE/IAEE Annual International Conference.
The high-level conference, jointly organized by the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics, NAEE, and the International Association for Energy Economics, IAEE, drew participation from energy professionals, policy makers, academics, and international delegates.
This year’s conference focused on the timely theme: “Emerging Geopolitics of Energy: Navigating Global Shifts and Impacts on Developing Economies.”
In his goodwill message, the NMDPRA Chief Executive represented by the Executive Director, Economic Regulations and Strategic Planning, Prof. Zainab Gobir emphasized the urgent need for developing nations to remain proactive in responding to the shifting dynamics of global energy supply, demand, and policy.
He highlighted how geopolitical developments, including conflicts, climate agreements, and trade policies are redefining access to energy resources and reshaping market stability, particularly for countries in the Global South.
“The current global energy landscape demands resilience, adaptability, and strategic foresight, especially for economies striving to industrialize and expand energy access,” the Chief Executive stated.
He reiterated NMDPRA’s commitment to ensuring regulatory clarity and investment security in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream sectors as part of the broader national energy transition plan.
The conference provided a platform for dialogue on the intersection of energy, economics, and geopolitics, and aimed to craft actionable insights that would guide policy formulation across Africa and beyond. The 18th edition of the NAEE/IAEE Annual International Conference is expected to conclude with key resolutions that will shape Nigeria’s position in the global energy discourse.
