Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: NMDPRA

  • Fuel Prices Surge Toward N1,000 Milestone as Global Crude Rises

    Fuel Prices Surge Toward N1,000 Milestone as Global Crude Rises

    Figures cited by The Punch show that Nigerian fuel marketers are warning of a potential petrol price hike to ₦1,000 per litre as global crude oil prices cross the $70 per barrel mark. Marketers indicated that the current landing cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) has been significantly impacted by the rising international oil prices and the continued volatility of the Naira. This development threatens to further strain the disposable income of citizens who are already grappling with high transport costs.

    The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is currently under pressure to review the pricing template to reflect these market realities. Industry experts suggest that without a significant appreciation of the Naira or a subsidy-like intervention, the ₦1,000 mark is nearly inevitable. This comes at a time when the federal government is shifting focus from economic stabilization to expansionary growth.

    This news was also covered by Leadership and ThisDay. Leadership reported that “marketers are calling for a transparent pricing mechanism to avoid supply disruptions,” while ThisDay noted that “the $70 crude price is a double-edged sword for Nigeria’s oil-dependent budget.”

    Echotitbits take:

    Rising fuel prices are the most potent trigger for inflation in Nigeria. If the price hits ₦1,000, we expect another wave of transport fare hikes and a possible spike in food prices. Watch for the government’s “Renewed Hope” ward development programs to be fast-tracked as a palliative measure to douse public tension.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/petrol-to-hit-n1000-litre-as-crude-crosses-70-marketers/, January 31, 2026

    Photo credit: The Punch

  • ICPC Says Probe of Ex-NMDPRA Chief Continues Despite Dangote Petition Withdrawal

    ICPC Says Probe of Ex-NMDPRA Chief Continues Despite Dangote Petition Withdrawal

    Observations made by Premium Times show the ICPC says it will continue investigating allegations linked to the former head of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, even after the Dangote Group reportedly withdrew its complaint.

    The commission said its mandate allows it to pursue potential systemic wrongdoing irrespective of a petitioner’s withdrawal, especially where public interest is implicated.

    The inquiry is expected to examine records and decisions linked to the regulator’s tenure in the oil and gas space.

    **Echotitbits take:** This stance reinforces the idea that anti-corruption isn’t a private dispute to be settled quietly. Watch for legal actions if investigators identify evidence strong enough to sustain prosecution.
    Source: Guardian — https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/icpc-confirms-probe-of-ex-nmdpra-boss-continues-despite-dangote-withdrawal/ 2026-01-08

    Photo Credit: Guardian

  • Strategic Appointments Target Stability in Nigeria’s Energy Sector

    Strategic Appointments Target Stability in Nigeria’s Energy Sector

    According to The Punch, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated 21 individuals to the boards of the nation’s primary energy regulators, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Leading the nominations is Senator Magnus Abe, who has been tapped as the NUPRC chairman, a move intended to bring political experience and technical oversight to the oil and gas sector.

    The President’s request for Senate confirmation emphasizes the need for a professional and transparent regulatory environment. By appointing seasoned figures like Adegbite Ebiowei Adeniji to lead the NMDPRA, the administration hopes to accelerate the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and attract significant foreign direct investment to the energy sector.

    Validation for these appointments was found in Leadership and ThisDay. Leadership confirmed that ‘Tinubu names Magnus Abe, 20 others to NUPRC, NMDPRA boards,’ while ThisDay highlighted that the President ‘seeks Senate’s swift confirmation’ to ensure there is no vacuum in the oversight of Nigeria’s most critical revenue-generating sector.

    Echotitbits take: These appointments are a clear signal that the government wants to move beyond the transition phase of the PIA. Magnus Abe’s appointment is particularly strategic, combining his previous experience on the NNPC board with his political clout. The immediate priority for these boards will be resolving the lingering bottlenecks in local refining and increasing crude output.
    Source: Guardian – https://guardian.ng/energy/macroeconomic-stability-will-increase-energy-sector-investment/ January 6 2026

    Photo Credit: Guardian

  • Fresh Leadership Nominated for Nigeria’s Petroleum Regulatory Agencies

    Fresh Leadership Nominated for Nigeria’s Petroleum Regulatory Agencies

    Reporting by Leadership indicates that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm 21 nominees to the boards of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Leading the list for the NUPRC is Senator Magnus Abe, a former NNPC board member, while Adegbite Ebiowei Adeniji, an energy lawyer with over three decades of experience, has been tapped to chair the NMDPRA board. The nominations aim to provide stable regulatory oversight as Nigeria seeks to increase its daily crude oil production and modernize its midstream infrastructure. The President urged the nominees to maintain professional standards and act as transparent regulators to attract much-needed foreign investment into the energy sector. The development was also corroborated by The Punch and Tribune Online. The Punch confirmed that ‘Tinubu nominates Magnus Abe, 20 others to NUPRC, NMDPRA boards,’ while Tribune Online noted that the request seeks ‘Senate’s swift confirmation’ to avoid regulatory gaps in the oil sector.

    Echotitbits take: The appointment of Magnus Abe and other industry veterans suggests a desire for political and technical synergy in the oil sector. With Nigeria aiming for a 1.8 million bpd target, these regulators will face immediate pressure to resolve pipeline security issues and finalize long-standing investment agreements.

    Source: TheCable – https://www.thecable.ng/senate-panel-screens-tinubus-nominees-for-nmdpra-nuprc-leadership/ January 6 2026

    Photo Credit: Facebook

  • Regulator says petroleum vessel approvals are faster, with most clearances now under 24 hours

    Regulator says petroleum vessel approvals are faster, with most clearances now under 24 hours

    2026-01-02 09:00:00
    In an update published by Punch, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says it has accelerated petroleum vessel clearance processes, reporting that most approvals are being granted in under 24 hours.

    The regulator presents the change as a throughput push to reduce delays that translate into higher landing costs, demurrage exposure and supply disruptions.

    Industry observers note that clearance speed only becomes meaningful if port-side coordination—terminal readiness, documentation and inspections—matches regulator timelines.

    Validation: MarketForces quoted the regulator’s service-level framing, noting “accelerated approvals and permits under clear service-level agreements.” Extractive360 also reported the same theme and described the push as “accelerating permits under clear service-level timelines.”

    Echotitbits take: If NMDPRA’s clearance gains are consistent, the downstream market benefits via steadier supply and lower friction costs. Watch for published performance data and whether Customs/NPA/terminal operators align—multi-agency alignment is the real test.

    Source: The Punch — 2026-01-02 (https://punchng.com/nmdpra-speeds-up-petroleum-vessel-clearance-processes/)
    The Punch 2026-01-02

    Photo Credit: Premium Time

  • Port Harcourt Refinery Still Trucking Diesel Despite ‘Shutdown Mode’ Status

    Port Harcourt Refinery Still Trucking Diesel Despite ‘Shutdown Mode’ Status

    2025-12-30 12:30:00

    Figures cited by Punch suggest diesel continued to be evacuated in trucks from Port Harcourt refinery facilities despite the plant being in “shutdown mode,” with the explanation tied to stock produced before the shutdown date.

    The distinction between production and evacuation has become central amid public scrutiny of state refinery performance and rehabilitation claims.

    The development has renewed calls for clearer reporting of refining metrics—what is produced, what is stored and what is trucked out—so consumers and markets can track real progress.

    Africa Business Insider, citing regulator data, said at Port Harcourt “no production activities” were recorded while evacuation continued from existing stock. Punch reported the same framing, quoting the plant remained in “shutdown mode” even as diesel truck-outs persisted.

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria needs transparent dashboards where ‘production’ isn’t confused with ‘distribution.’ Watch for whether NMDPRA publishes more granular refinery reporting and whether NNPCL clarifies a firm timeline for sustained restart.

    Source: The Punch — December 30, 2025 (https://punchng.com/p-harcourt-refinery-supplies-3150-diesel-trucks-despite-shutdown/)

    The Punch 2025-12-30

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Port Harcourt refinery stays offline, but diesel evacuation continues — regulator

    Port Harcourt refinery stays offline, but diesel evacuation continues — regulator

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-28 09:00:00

    In an update published by Punch, Nigeria’s downstream regulator said the Port Harcourt refinery remains shut but diesel (automotive gas oil) has continued entering the market via evacuations.

    The report attributes the ongoing diesel movement to regulator data, even as the facility remains under maintenance following a shutdown announced earlier in 2025.

    A DailyReport.ng write‑up stated “NMDPRA confirms 349,000 litres of AGO supplied daily,” while TheCable previously reported NNPC would shut the Port Harcourt Refining Company “for maintenance,” underscoring the continued stop‑start nature of domestic refining.

    Echotitbits take: This is a trust and transparency problem. If product evacuation is from existing stock, the public needs clear reporting on inventory, throughput, and maintenance milestones. Watch for NMDPRA’s daily/weekly supply dashboards and NNPC’s turnaround timelines.

    Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/port-harcourt-refinery-supplies-diesel-while-shut-nmdpra/)

    The Punch 2025-12-28

  • Marketers say fuel imports still needed as Dangote refinery output rises

    Marketers say fuel imports still needed as Dangote refinery output rises

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-24 07:00:00

    According to Punch, petroleum marketers argue that even with rising local refining capacity, Nigeria’s fuel supply needs cannot be met by one refinery alone—making imports and multiple supply channels necessary to prevent shortages and price shocks.

    The argument is partly about volume and partly about resilience: a single-point supply system increases vulnerability to maintenance downtime, feedstock disruptions, logistics bottlenecks, or regulatory disputes.

    Marketers also warn that policy choices that squeeze out importers too aggressively could reduce competition and create a supply monopoly—potentially weakening price discipline over time.

    The story lands amid a broader debate: how quickly Nigeria can transition from import dependence to domestic refining dominance without destabilising the downstream market.

    Premium Times cited regulators arguing the refinery “cannot meet… daily consumption demand,” while Reuters has reported Dangote’s ramp-up alongside policy shifts aimed at discouraging imports—fueling warnings about monopoly risk if competition collapses.

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s endgame should be diversified domestic supply—not “one refinery, one market.” Watch for transparent supply statistics (daily volumes), open access to storage/jetty infrastructure, and fair competition rules that prevent cartel behaviour on either side (importers vs refiners).

    Source: The Punch — December 24, 2025 (https://punchng.com/dangote-alone-cant-meet-nigerias-fuel-demands-marketers-insist/)
    The Punch 2025-12-24

  • NNPCL Imports Lift Petrol Supply to 71.5m Litres/Day as Demand Softens in November

    NNPCL Imports Lift Petrol Supply to 71.5m Litres/Day as Demand Softens in November

    Photo Credit: The Nation
    2025-12-10

    Figures cited by The Nation show average petrol supply rose to 71.5 million litres per day in November 2025, up from 46.0 million litres per day in October.

    The report, citing the NMDPRA downstream fact sheet, also suggested consumption eased, with average daily use falling to about 52.9 million litres/day from 56.7 million litres/day the month before.

    Regulators linked the stock build to meeting peak festive demand and covering prior months’ shortfalls, describing NNPCL as the supplier of last resort.

    The Nation quoted the regulator: “The significant increase in PMS supply in November 2025 was on account of…” inventory and import reasons. The same report stated: “Imports by the NNPC, the supplier of last resort… to build inventory and supply further guarantee supply…”.

    Echotitbits take: Higher supply doesn’t automatically mean stable pump prices—distribution, FX and smuggling dynamics still matter. Watch whether queues truly disappear beyond major cities and whether local refining materially cuts imports in early 2026.

    Source: The Nation — December 10, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/nnpcl-imports-boost-national-petrol-stock-to-71-5ml-d-in-november/)
    The Nation 2025-12-10

  • Nigeria’s Petrol Supply Jumps to 71.5m Litres Daily as Imports Rise

    Nigeria’s Petrol Supply Jumps to 71.5m Litres Daily as Imports Rise

    Photo Credit: Vanguard
    2025-12-23 09:00:00

    Figures cited by Vanguard show Nigeria’s petrol supply rose sharply in November 2025, climbing to 71.5 million litres per day from 46 million litres per day in October.

    The report attributes the spike largely to import volumes—especially shipments linked to NNPC—aimed at rebuilding inventory and preventing scarcity during end-of-year peak demand.

    At the same time, regulators’ data suggest consumption also rose, reinforcing the view that the market remains supply-sensitive despite “price war” headlines and the gradual scaling of local refining.

    The broader implication is that import dependence is still doing the heavy lifting whenever domestic production or distribution falls below demand thresholds.

    Validation: The Punch notes, “The sharp increase… in November helped push total national PMS supply to a record 71.5 million litres per day.” Daily Post similarly reports that “total petrol supply in Nigeria rose to 71.5 million litres per day in November…”

    Echotitbits take: Watch December/January inventory and whether supply stability translates into sustained pump-price discipline nationwide. Also watch refinery utilisation—because a supply surge powered by imports is not the same as energy security.

    Source: Vanguard — December 23, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/petrol-supply-rises-55-to-71-5m-litres-daily/)
    Vanguard 2025-12-23