Tanya Davidson
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, is proposing new regulations to curb cartels, collusion, abuse of market dominance and opaque pricing practices across Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.
The proposed Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Prevention of Anti-Competitive Practices and Behaviour Regulations, 2026, was unveiled at a stakeholders’ consultation hosted by the Authority pursuant to Section 216 of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, 2021.
Presenting the draft framework, NMDPRA Secretary and Legal Adviser, Dr. Joseph Tolorunse, said the proposed regulations would introduce safeguards covering open infrastructure access, pricing transparency, contracts and mergers, affiliate transactions and digital markets.
The framework also proposes measures to address abuse of dominant market positions and anti-competitive agreements, while providing for the regulation of digital markets and artificial intelligence-driven pricing.
The NMDPRA would be empowered under the proposed framework to monitor petroleum markets, investigate suspected violations and enforce corrective measures, with provisions for coordination with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC.
Opening the consultation, NMDPRA Authority Chief Executive, Mallam Rabiu A. Umar, stressed the importance of effective regulation in creating certainty, attracting investment and protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s petroleum market.
He urged industry stakeholders to bring their practical experience to the consultation process to strengthen the proposed rules before their finalisation.
The Authority also urged petroleum industry participants to review their pricing models, infrastructure access arrangements, affiliate transactions and governance structures as consultations on the regulations continue.
The proposed framework comes as Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum markets undergo significant changes following the implementation of the PIA and increased private-sector participation across refining, distribution and other petroleum value-chain activities.
