NMDPRA, ARDA Deepen Collaboration for Sustainable Downstream Energy in Africa

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has strengthened regional cooperation in the energy sector following a strategic engagement with the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA), aimed at advancing sustainable downstream petroleum development across Africa.
The high-level meeting brought together the Authority Chief Executive of NMDPRA, Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, and the Executive Secretary of ARDA, Mr. Anibor Kragha, for discussions focused on collaboration, regulatory alignment, and long-term growth of the continent’s downstream energy industry.

According to ARDA, the visit provided a platform for both organisations to exchange views on key challenges and opportunities within Africa’s refining and fuel distribution value chain. Central to the discussions were strategies to improve supply security, attract investment, and promote efficient and environmentally responsible downstream operations.

Engr. Mohammed reaffirmed NMDPRA’s commitment to building a transparent, competitive, and investor-friendly regulatory environment in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors. He noted that partnerships with continental industry bodies such as ARDA are essential for sharing best practices, strengthening institutional capacity, and supporting sustainable energy development beyond national borders.
Mr. Kragha highlighted ARDA’s mandate to represent and support African refiners and distributors, stressing the importance of constructive engagement with regulators to address common industry concerns. He added that closer collaboration with authorities like NMDPRA would help promote policy consistency, encourage infrastructure development, and enhance the overall performance of Africa’s downstream petroleum market.

Industry analysts view the engagement as timely, particularly as African countries pursue energy sector reforms, expand local refining capacity, and seek to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products. Stronger cooperation between regulators and industry associations is increasingly seen as critical to building resilient fuel supply systems and supporting economic growth.

The meeting also aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing petroleum sector reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which aim to improve governance, boost investor confidence, and ensure sustainable development of the oil and gas industry.
As Africa continues to balance energy access, affordability, and sustainability, stakeholders say the renewed dialogue between NMDPRA and ARDA represents a positive step toward a more integrated, efficient, and sustainable downstream energy landscape across the continent.

NMDPRA, African Refiners and Distributors Association, ARDA, Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, Anibor Kragha, Nigeria downstream petroleum, Africa energy sector, refining and distribution, petroleum regulation, sustainable energy Africa

Nigeria’s NMDPRA has strengthened collaboration with the African Refiners and Distributors Association (ARDA) to promote sustainable downstream energy development, regulatory alignment, and investment across Africa’s petroleum sector.