The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has unveiled a comprehensive set of 138 proposed regulations aimed at preventing monopoly, unfair competition and abuse of market dominance within Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
The proposed framework, known as the Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Prevention of Anticompetitive Practices and Behaviour Regulations, 2026, was presented during a stakeholders’ consultation held in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to the Authority, the regulations are designed to establish a clear competition regime for the midstream and downstream segments of the petroleum sector, ensuring that market participants operate under transparent and fair rules.
The proposed regulations, which span 23 sections, seek to prohibit a range of anti-competitive practices, including price-fixing, collusion among market operators, market allocation arrangements, bid-rigging and coordinated restrictions on supply. They also contain provisions aimed at preventing dominant players from abusing their market position to the detriment of competitors and consumers.
A major aspect of the framework focuses on access to critical industry infrastructure such as pipelines, storage terminals, depots, jetties and bulk-loading facilities. Under the proposed rules, operators of such infrastructure would be required to adhere to transparent standards regarding tariffs, fees, capacity allocation and access conditions.
Speaking at the consultation, NMDPRA Chief Executive, Rabiu Umar, said the initiative is intended to strengthen investor confidence, encourage healthy competition and protect the integrity of the petroleum market.
He noted that a competitive industry environment is essential for attracting investments, improving efficiency and supporting long-term sector growth.
Also speaking, the Authority’s Secretary and Legal Adviser, Joseph Tolorunse, explained that the regulations are intended to transform the competition provisions contained in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 into enforceable industry-specific rules.
According to him, the framework will make competition protection a central component of petroleum sector regulation, providing clearer guidance to operators while ensuring compliance with established market principles.
The consultation also highlighted growing collaboration between regulators. NMDPRA disclosed that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to strengthen cooperation in monitoring market conduct and addressing anti-competitive practices.
Industry stakeholders are expected to review and make inputs on the draft regulations before their final adoption.
The move comes at a time when Nigeria’s petroleum sector is undergoing significant reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act, with regulators seeking to create a more transparent, competitive and investment-friendly operating environment while safeguarding consumer interests and market efficiency.
