The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) says it will set the general rules for the establishment of a Decommissioning and Abandonment Fund for midstream and downstream petroleum operations.
Mr. Farouk Ahmed, Authority Chief Executive, NMDPRA, made this known on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in Abuja at its Stakeholders’ Consultation Forum on the Proposed Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Safety and Environmental Regulations 2025.
The forum was convened by the authority in furtherance of Section 216 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021).
The section mandates consultation with stakeholders prior to the finalisation of regulations made under the Act.
Ahmed was represented by Mr. Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure (DSSRI), NMDPRA, and Chairman, Technical Team on Stakeholders’ Engagement.
He said that it would also provide requirements for the administration of the fund.
“The proposed regulations will streamline activities concerning health, safety and environmental operations, including decommissioning and abandonment in the midstream and downstream petroleum industry,’’ he said.
He said that Section 33 of the PIA was to the effect that the authority may make regulations for all activities relating to midstream and downstream petroleum operations in Nigeria.
He, however, reiterated its unwavering commitment towards ensuring full implementation of the PIA in the creation of a vibrant midstream and downstream petroleum sector in Nigeria.
“Accordingly, the proposed 2025 Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Safety and Environmental Regulations consolidated three of the authority’s earlier published regulations into a single document.
“Three of the regulations that were consolidated are Borders of Safety Regulations, Abandonment and Decommissioning Regulations and Environmental Regulations.
“The consolidation process has enabled the NMPDRA to reduce the complexities of navigating and implementing it’s numerous regulations.
“It is aimed at eliminating inconsistencies and repetitions across multiple regulations; and engendering further compliance with the PIA and regulations made thereto,’’ he said.
Ahmed said that the regulations would be read in conjunction with other regulations made by the NMPDRA.
He listed those other regulations to include the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Fees Regulations, 2024 which provides for prescribed fees for petroleum activities.
He thanked the stakeholders for their submissions and participation, adding that the authority would incorporate their feedbacks where applicable, to harmonise the regulations.
In an overview, Dr Joseph Tolorunse, Authority Secretary and Legal Adviser, highlighted the objectives and compliance measures of the regulations.
According Tolorunse, the regulations provides the safety and environmental standards to be observed during petroleum operations.
He said that they also and regulated safety and occupational health practices in the Nigerian midstream and downstream petroleum operations.
He further said that the regulations were aimed at ensuring rehabilitation or management of negative environmental impacts arising from midstream and downstream petroleum operations, while outlining duties of licensees and permit holders.
The secretary said that the draft regulations, which comprised 15 parts and 121 regulations, encompassed all activities concerning health, safety, and environmental operations, including decommissioning and abandonment within the sector.
“In line with Section 216 of the PIA, the authority has convened this forum to enable comprehensive discussions and engagement with its stakeholders aimed at producing a detailed and effective regulatory document,” he said.
He recalled that in 2023, the authority made the three regulations but decided to consolidate the into one regulation.
He said that the new regulation was called Mainstream and Downstream Safety and Environmental Regulations to promote ease of doing business.
By Emmanuella Anokam