NMDPRA urges stakeholders to fast-track implementation of PIA

By Vivian Emoni

 

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), has urged stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to fast-track the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The Authority’s Chief Executive, Mr Farouk Ahmed, made the call at a General Counsel and Legal Advisers (GCLA) Forum, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Ahmed who was represented by Dr Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure, said that it requires the complete commitment of all stakeholders to meet the objectives of the PIA.

“I am not oblivious of the major policy shift that the implementation of the PIA has necessitated, which may have significantly impacted our business models.

“I dare say it might take a while to fully adjust and change our modus operandi.

“You will agree with me that to meet the objectives of the PIA, we require complete commitment from all stakeholders.

“To fast-track the implementation of the PIA, all stakeholders must adhere to the provisions of the law.

“In situation where ambiguities or lacunas exist, engagements such as this forum must be encouraged to seek clarity and deepen collaboration,’’ he said.

Ahmed said that the forum was to engender and enhance collaborative relationship between the authority as the regulator and the legal practitioners in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry.

He added that the forum was also a continuation of the authority’s drive to constantly engage with various industry stakeholders.

Ahmed said the law made it clear in section 25 and 48 that regulations of upstream operations and midstream/downstream operations were exclusive to Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and NMDPRA, respectively.

He said the NMDPRA and the NUPRC were not performing the same function, as such those dealing with defunct regulators must understand that the two agencies were not the same.

According to him, beyond the restructuring of the regulatory agencies, the law also require the restructuring of companies and operations in the industry.

He reminded the stakeholders that the provisions in the law were not done in isolation but with a clear target, which is the remodeling of the oil and gas value chain in Nigeria.

“This is by creating distinct midstream business entities which had previously been subsumed in upstream operations.

“It is on the above note that I directed the incorporation of midstream entities before Aug. 30, 2023 in line with section 302 (3).

“Such separation will ensure a clear and distinct midstream which has been highlighted earlier as one of the cardinal expectations of the PIA.

“It will also provide a clearer line of sight and focus on the deepening of the midstream, which is one of our core mandates,’’ he said.

The NMDPRA chief urged the stakeholders to keep an open mind, as the forum would enlighten and provide more clarity on roles and expectations in line with the PIA.

He said that the forum would also help to promote the business and investment opportunities derivable from the licences, permits and authorisations issued by the authority.

“The forum will as well be addressing legal concerns arising from the implementation of the PIA and the Authority’s regulations.

“We also hope to hear from you to enable us understand your concerns as we work together on the PIA implementation journey.’’

The Secretary and Legal Adviser of the authority, Dr Joseph Tolorunse, said the authority would gazette four more regulations for the midstream and downstream sector, which would be published on its website.

Tolorunse said that the forum would be the first of many continuous engagements that the authority would host with general counsels and legal advisers.

“The forum presents a unique opportunity for deepening the industry’s GCLAs understanding of the midstream and downstream petroleum sector regulatory framework.

“It will also present the business enabling and investment opportunities derivable from the 2021 PIA.”

Tolorunse added that the forum would address legal concerns arising from the implementation of the PIA and the authority’s regulations.

He said discussions would be on issues pertaining to deepening industry legal practitioners’ understanding of the authority’s powers, functions and regulations.

 

“Providing clarity on perceived regulatory overlaps between the authority and commission,’’ the official said.

 

He urged the stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the discussions, so as to collaboratively create and enhance value for both industry players and Nigerians.

 

(NAN)