The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to firm, fair and efficient regulation aimed at promoting investment, energy security, industrial growth and sustainable employment in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
The Authority made the commitment at the 2026 PENGASSAN Energy and Labour Summit (PELS), where the Executive Director, Corporate Services and Administration, Malam Bashir Sadiq, delivered a keynote address on behalf of the NMDPRA Chief Executive, Mallam Rabiu A. Umar.
Speaking on the second day of the summit, Sadiq addressed the theme, “Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks for Stability and Growth,” stressed that the success of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 would ultimately be measured by the effectiveness of its implementation and the outcomes it delivers.
He said regulation should facilitate investment and growth rather than create unnecessary barriers for operators and investors in the petroleum industry.
According to him, the Authority’s regulatory philosophy is anchored on being “Firm in Regulation, Fair in Conduct and Fast in Execution.”
He explained that responsiveness should not be mistaken for weakness, just as speed in regulatory processes must not compromise diligence, safety or accountability.
Sadiq also highlighted the critical role of human-capital development in strengthening the petroleum industry, describing workforce training as an investment that would enhance productivity and competitiveness.
He stressed that safety remained non-negotiable, urging stakeholders across the sector to maintain the highest standards of safety in their operations.
The NMDPRA executive called for stronger collaboration among government, regulatory agencies, operators and organised labour, noting that regulatory certainty, compliance, investment, productivity and industrial harmony were critical to building a resilient and competitive petroleum industry.
He further reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to transparent stakeholder engagement, improved regulatory processes, technology adoption, effective market surveillance and a solution-oriented approach.
Sadiq said these measures were essential to ensuring that Nigeria’s petroleum industry delivers sustainable value to Nigerians while creating an enabling environment for investment and economic growth.
The summit provided a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on regulatory, labour and energy-sector issues affecting the stability, productivity and future growth of Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
