The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has directed the new Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, to make the elimination of recurring petroleum tanker explosions a top priority.
Lokpobiri gave the charge during a familiarisation visit by the NMDPRA boss to his office, stressing that curbing tanker explosions is critical to safeguarding lives, assets and the credibility of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
Deregulation must support safe, thriving businesses
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the minister explained that the core objective of downstream sector deregulation under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Administration is to enable businesses to thrive, deepen sectoral growth and expand national oil prosperity.
According to him, regulatory agencies would ultimately be assessed by the number of compliant businesses they support, rather than the volume of regulations they enforce.
“The sustainability of our economy depends on having more vibrant, compliant businesses,” Lokpobiri said, adding that regulation must encourage growth while ensuring safety and operational discipline across the value chain.
Ending tanker explosions remains urgent
Lokpobiri identified recurring tanker explosions as one of the most pressing challenges confronting the downstream sector, noting that although incidents have reduced in recent times, the problem requires sustained regulatory attention.
He urged the NMDPRA leadership to consolidate existing gains and ensure that safety standards, operational controls and compliance enforcement are strengthened across petroleum transportation and distribution networks.
The minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working closely with the regulator to maintain uninterrupted petrol supply nationwide.
Faster licensing, stronger collaboration
Lokpobiri disclosed that the ministry has prioritised efficiency in regulatory approvals, stating that under the current administration, no licence application stays on his desk beyond 24 hours without action.
He commended the new NMDPRA chief executive and encouraged him to bring his expertise to bear as Nigeria’s energy landscape undergoes rapid transformation.
Industry observers say the renewed focus on tanker safety is timely, given the economic and human losses associated with past explosions, and could strengthen confidence in the deregulated downstream sector if matched with firm enforcement and industry-wide compliance.