The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has come under criticism over allegations that adulterated and substandard petroleum products continue to enter the Nigerian market.
The President of the Nigeria Energy Consumers Watch Initiative, Alhaji Abdulrahman Sani Ibrahim, made the allegation in a statement issued on Friday, describing the reported influx of blended fuel from Dubai and other countries as a serious threat to consumers and the Nigerian economy.
The group accused the regulator of failing to take decisive action against major petroleum marketers allegedly involved in the importation and distribution of substandard products.
According to Ibrahim, the continued presence of questionable petroleum products in the market is unacceptable, particularly given previous concerns raised by the regulator over the quality of imported fuel.
The organisation recalled that NMDPRA had warned that marketers found importing or dealing in substandard petroleum products could be denied access to petroleum supplies. However, it questioned why stronger enforcement measures had allegedly not been taken despite what it described as the continued influx of blended products.
“This is no longer a matter that can be treated with regulatory caution or empty threats,” the group said, urging the regulator to investigate and sanction operators found violating quality standards.
The consumer group described the alleged importation of adulterated fuel as an economic crime, warning that poor-quality petroleum products could damage vehicles and machinery, increase operating costs and place additional financial pressure on Nigerians.
It called on NMDPRA to intensify surveillance and testing of petroleum products at ports, depots and retail outlets.
The group also demanded sanctions against marketers found to have imported or distributed products that fail to meet regulatory standards, including prosecution where necessary.
It further urged the Federal Government to investigate the activities of major petroleum marketers allegedly involved in importing blended products and determine whether any regulatory officials had failed in their responsibilities.
The organisation called for greater transparency in petroleum-product testing, including regular publication of test results and disclosure of marketers whose products fail quality requirements.
It warned that failure to address the allegations could further weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
The group ultimately urged the Federal Government to compel NMDPRA to provide a clear account of the measures being taken to prevent adulterated and substandard fuel from entering and circulating in the Nigerian market.
