Financial Energy Review
Abuja, February 19, 2025 – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has the legal right to import fuel if required, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) affirmed on Wednesday. This clarification was issued amid concerns over fuel supply and the role of the company in meeting Nigeria’s petroleum needs.
Ogbugo Ukoha, the Executive Director of Distribution System, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure at NMDPRA, addressed the issue in a press briefing in Abuja. Ukoha emphasized that there is no law barring NNPCL from importing fuel, noting that the company could take such action when necessary to ensure the nation’s fuel supply remains stable.
“There is no law prohibiting NNPC Limited from importing petroleum products. If the need arises due to supply shortfalls, they have the legal right to step in,” Ukoha stated. He also reassured Nigerians that the quality of fuel products entering the country this year has met the required standards.
Ukoha emphasized that the NMDPRA works closely with the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) and enforces the stipulations of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which sets rigorous quality standards. “The NMDPRA insists that all petroleum products meet the specifications of SON and the PIA. We will not allow any substandard products to be distributed,” he asserted.
Regarding Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity, Ukoha revealed that local refineries are currently meeting only 50% of the nation’s fuel consumption requirements. The shortfall, he said, is being covered by imports from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). However, he pointed out that no OMCs with refineries have imported petrol in 2025. “The contribution of local refining was less than 60% in January and below 50% in February this year,” Ukoha explained.
The NMDPRA also introduced a new regulation banning trucks carrying over 60,000 litres of hydrocarbon products from loading, effective March 1, 2025. This move aims to improve safety and prevent incidents during the transportation of fuel.
In a related statement, NNPC Limited spokesman Femi Soneye addressed recent reports suggesting the company might have imported fuel. He clarified, “While NNPC Limited has not imported PMS in 2025, there is no prohibition on the company importing when necessary. As the entity responsible for Nigeria’s energy security, NNPC has the right and responsibility to intervene in fuel supply issues.”
