The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority published comprehensive new regulations (S.I. No. 79 of 2025) effective July 7, 2025, governing all midstream and downstream petroleum operations in Nigeria. The 2025 regulations replace all previous midstream/downstream regulations, including the 2023 series and legacy 1967/1974 petroleum regulations.
Here is a summary:
The Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Operations Regulations, 2025 are Nigeria’s main rulebook for everything that happens after crude oil or gas is produced — including pipelines, jetties, depots, terminals, refineries, LPG plants, tank farms, shipping, trucking and retailing.
The regulations make it illegal for anyone to operate in this sector without the right licence or permit from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). This covers activities like fuel storage, gas processing, product blending, pipeline transport, import and export, bunkering, LPG retailing, and petroleum distribution.
They also introduce strict safety, health and environmental obligations. Every licensed operator must have trained personnel, firefighting systems, medical facilities, emergency plans, PPE, and proper safety procedures in place. Companies must also appoint a manager and a compliance officer who are personally responsible for meeting these requirements.
To stop fuel theft, smuggling and revenue loss, the regulations require accurate metering, calibration and reporting of all petroleum and gas movements. All shipments must be measured, certified and approved by the Authority before loading or discharge.
Gas flaring is now tightly controlled. Companies cannot flare or vent gas without a permit, and heavy penalties apply for exceeding limits, with the money used to fund gas infrastructure in host communities.
You can download the regulation at the NMDPRA website or from the link below: https://alps.blob.core.windows.net/nmdprawebsite/Regulation/Upload-ea6ce379-5d68-455a-aa94-473c1407de69.pdf