NMDPRA to Launch Gas Distribution Licensing Round Soon

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) announced plans to initiate a digital licensing round for gas distribution areas across Nigeria before the end of 2026. Chief Executive Rabiu Umar revealed this during the Gas Investment Forum 2026, themed ‘Positioning Nigeria as Africa’s Global Gas Powerhouse’.

The licensing round will occur after the completion of a nationwide gas distribution gridding exercise expected in October. Investors will bid for licenses in the mapped areas, similar to oil mining licenses in the upstream sector.

Umar emphasized the need for infrastructure to convert Nigeria's vast gas reserves into productive economic assets, warning that without infrastructure, reserves remain untapped potential. He also discussed the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Initiative, aimed at accelerating licenses and approvals for various gas projects.

Additionally, Umar mentioned the need for an open-access regime for gas pipelines and the rebuilding of the Nigerian Gas Transportation Network Code to ensure fair access.