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The Nigeria Energy Consumers Watch Initiative has accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, of failing to stop the alleged continued importation and sale of adulterated and substandard petroleum products in Nigeria.
The group alleged that blended fuel imported from Dubai and other countries continued to find its way into the Nigerian market, describing the development as a threat to consumers, businesses and the wider economy.
In a statement issued on Friday, the group’s President, Alhaji Abdulrahman Sani Ibrahim, said the continued presence of allegedly questionable petroleum products in the market was unacceptable, particularly after the regulator had previously raised concerns over the quality of some imported products.
The group recalled that NMDPRA had warned that it could stop supplying petrol to marketers found to be involved in the importation or distribution of substandard products.
It, however, questioned why stronger regulatory action had not been taken despite what it described as the continued influx of blended products into the country.
“This is no longer a matter that can be treated with regulatory caution or empty threats. The NMDPRA knows the concerns that have been raised about the continuous importation of blended products from Dubai and other countries, and it has even warned that marketers involved in such practices could be denied petroleum supplies.
“If the regulator is aware of these activities and still allows them to continue, then it is failing in its fundamental responsibility to protect Nigerian consumers,” the group said.
The organisation described the alleged continued importation of adulterated fuel as an economic crime, saying its consequences could extend beyond individual consumers to businesses and the broader economy.
It said poor-quality petroleum products could damage vehicles, generators and industrial machinery, increase operating costs and impose additional financial burdens on Nigerians already grappling with high energy and transportation costs.
The group called on NMDPRA to intensify surveillance and testing of imported petroleum products at ports, depots and retail outlets across the country.
It also demanded sanctions against marketers found to have imported or distributed products that failed to meet prescribed regulatory standards.
“The regulator cannot continue to issue warnings while the same practices it is warning against persist in the market. If a marketer deliberately imports or distributes adulterated fuel, the appropriate response should be immediate investigation, prosecution where necessary and sanctions that will deter others.
“Anything less gives the impression that the rules exist only on paper,” it said.
The group further urged the Federal Government to investigate the activities of major petroleum marketers allegedly involved in the importation of blended products and determine whether any regulatory officials had failed in their duties.
It said the matter should be treated as one of national economic importance because of its potential implications for consumers, businesses and Nigeria’s reputation in the petroleum market.
According to the organisation, Nigerians should not be made to bear the consequences of alleged regulatory failures through damaged engines, higher transportation costs or reduced business productivity.
“Nigerians are already paying heavily for fuel, and they should not also be made to bear the cost of poor regulation.
“Every litre of fuel that enters this country must meet the required quality standard, regardless of who imported it or how influential the marketer is. NMDPRA must stop protecting the interests of operators at the expense of consumers and begin enforcing the law without fear or favour,” the group said.
The organisation also called for greater transparency in petroleum-product testing, urging NMDPRA to regularly publish test results and disclose the identities of marketers whose products fail to meet quality requirements.
It warned that failure to take decisive action could further erode public confidence in the downstream petroleum sector and undermine efforts to build a transparent and competitive market.
The group said the regulator’s responsibility was not limited to facilitating petroleum supply but also included ensuring that products reaching consumers were safe and compliant with national standards.
It urged the Federal Government to compel NMDPRA to provide a clear account of the measures being taken to prevent the entry and distribution of adulterated and substandard fuel.
The group also warned petroleum marketers against exploiting regulatory loopholes, stressing that commercial interests should not be allowed to override consumer safety and the broader economic interests of the country.This version makes the allegations more legally cautious, removes repetition, strengthens the news flow and avoids presenting the group’s claims as established facts.
