By Oluwakemi Kindness
Petroleum marketers have called for coordinated reforms, consistent policies and stronger infrastructure to guarantee stable fuel supply and long-term energy security.
The call came during an interactive session on Tuesday between the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and key industry stakeholders, including the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN).
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Ikenga Imo-Ugochinyere, said the engagement is designed to build consensus on critical industry reforms rather than apportion blame.
He assured stakeholders that changes in the downstream petroleum sector would be driven through dialogue and broad consultations with operators.
DAPPMAN seeks clearer regulations
DAPPMAN urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to develop practical operating-stock guidelines under the Petroleum Industry Act.
The association also advocated a joint market-monitoring framework involving the NMDPRA and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to improve transparency, track fuel supply and detect market disruptions early.
Its Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, further stressed the need for sustained investment in roads, rail lines, pipelines and depots, while calling for a permanent government-industry consultative platform to strengthen collaboration.
IPMAN flags industry challenges
IPMAN described Nigeria as well-positioned to become Africa’s leading refining and petroleum distribution hub but noted that high financing costs, multiple taxation, foreign exchange volatility, poor infrastructure, pipeline vandalism, limited access to refinery products and delayed bridging payments continue to hinder the sector’s growth.
The association urged government to implement reforms that would improve logistics, reduce distribution costs, promote competition and attract fresh investment into the downstream industry.
MEMAN backs local refining, cautions against import ban
MEMAN, while welcoming the country’s growing domestic refining capacity, cautioned against a blanket ban on petroleum imports.
Its Executive Secretary, Clement Isong, said strategic imports would remain necessary during supply shortages and unexpected market disruptions to protect consumers from sharp price increases.
The association also proposed the creation of a strategic petroleum reserve capable of sustaining at least 60 days of national fuel consumption.
Although they expressed different views on petroleum imports, the three associations agreed that policy consistency, stronger regulatory collaboration, improved infrastructure and continuous engagement between government and industry are essential to building a competitive downstream sector that guarantees uninterrupted fuel supply and supports Nigeria’s energy security.
