NMDPRA Enhances Collaboration to Combat Fuel Smuggling

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) convened a workshop aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration to combat the smuggling and diversion of petroleum products. The workshop involved various government security agencies and focused on enhancing cooperation among regulatory, security, and enforcement bodies.

Ogbugo Ukoha, the Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure at NMDPRA, stated that the diversion of petroleum products undermines the integrity and efficiency of the downstream market. He noted that every litre diverted from its legitimate destination distorts demand and supply data, weakens investor confidence, and threatens the sustainability of the petroleum industry.

Ukoha stressed the necessity of combining physical enforcement with data-driven surveillance and fostering stronger collaboration among relevant agencies. He asserted that improved traceability and accountability of petroleum product movements would help authorities identify diversion risks earlier and bolster the resilience of the petroleum supply chain.