By Charles Pemu 
Abuja,— The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has underscored the critical need for strict adherence to sector regulations during the “Advancing a Collaborative Compliance Culture” forum held in Abuja on Monday.
Represented by Executive Director Ogbugo Ukoha, NMDPRA CEO Engr. Farouk Ahmed stressed that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 requires all midstream and downstream operations to hold proper licenses, permits, and approvals. He emphasized that compliance ensures safety, environmental protection, and fair play, while also fostering business continuity and license renewal.
The Authority also revealed ongoing efforts to streamline and simplify existing regulations, eliminating inconsistencies to promote investment and operational clarity. “Regulatory compliance isn’t optional; it’s integral to sustainable business culture,” Ukoha said.
Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu (represented by Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere), praised the PIA’s impact, noting commitments of $16 billion in investments, peak oil production of 1.69 million barrels per day, and ₦50.88 trillion in industry revenue cementing Nigeria’s position as a top oil and gas investment hub in Africa.
Dr. Joseph Tolorunse, NMDPRA’s Legal Adviser, urged in-house legal teams to fully understand the PIA’s licensing framework—now expanded to over 17 license types—and proactively integrate dispute resolution and compliance tracking into business operations.