2025-12-18 00:00:00
According to Punch, Nigeria’s petroleum sector was jolted by the resignation of the heads of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), amid an escalating dispute tied to Dangote Refinery’s allegations and petition.
The report says the resignations followed weeks of public tension over fuel import licensing, pricing dynamics, and regulatory oversight, with marketers warning that uncertainty could deepen the squeeze on downstream operators.
Punch notes that Dangote’s petition to the ICPC alleging questionable wealth and conduct by the NMDPRA chief added pressure to an already heated standoff, even as government moved to nominate replacements for both agencies.
ICPC, in a public notice, confirmed it had received “a formal petition” against the NMDPRA CEO and said “the petition will be duly investigated.” (ICPC)
Reuters also reported the shake-up as a major signal to investors watching the refining and downstream market, quoting an energy lawyer who said the developments were not expected to “adversely affect investor confidence.” (Reuters)
Analysis/Echotitbits take: A regulator shake-up in the middle of a pricing war raises fresh questions about policy consistency under the Petroleum Industry Act. Watch for what the Senate confirmation hearings reveal—especially on import licensing, market competition rules, and how government balances energy security with private refining ambitions.
Source: Punch — December 18, 2025 (https://punchng.com/petrol-war-fallout-nmdpra-nuprc-bosses-resign-as-dangotes-petition-rocks-sector/)
Photo credit: Punch
