MEMAN, DAPPMAN, IPMAN pledge collaboration with NMDPRA, SON to ensure fuel quality
Oredola Adeola
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has confirmed plans to engage modular refinery owners to retrofit their facilities in line with its commitment to phasing out high-sulfur fuels, targeting 50 Parts Per Million (PPM) sulfur content for PMS and AGO.
Engr. Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of NMDPRA, confirmed this during a strategic webinar hosted by the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) on “The Future of Petroleum Product Quality in Nigeria.”
Represented by Dr. Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director, HSEC, NMDPRA, the Authority Chief Executive emphasized the commitment to phasing out high-sulfur fuels outlined key initiatives, in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to strengthen joint efforts in upholding high-quality standards.
He also revealed that the NIS 2017 Product Specification Review is being updated to align with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
According to him, the PIA 2021 mandates compliance, empowers the NMDPRA to monitor adherence, and certifies testing laboratories.
Mr. Clement Isong, CEO of MEMAN, emphasized the urgent need to enhance fuel quality standards to protect consumers, reduce environmental hazards, and improve operational efficiency.
He reaffirmed MEMAN’s commitment to fostering collaboration between industry players and regulators to drive sustained improvements.
He also stated that MEMAN remains dedicated to driving industry-wide compliance and ensuring Nigeria’s petroleum sector upholds globally accepted quality standards.
According to him, MEMAN will work closely with regulators and stakeholders to safeguard fuel quality, enhance safety, and protect consumer interests.
As fuel quality in Nigeria undergoes periodic reviews to meet evolving industry needs, MEMAN has introduced several initiatives, including regular monitoring of fuel quality at retail stations, planning for biofuels and cleaner energy alternatives.
This is expected to be achieved through handling and storage guidelines, investment in testing infrastructure by strengthening testing capabilities and personnel training, and continuous engagement with NMDPRA, SON, and industry players.
Mr. Paul Pankes, Group Head of Chemical Technology, SON, speaking on the topic “Petroleum Product Specifications and Standardization (SON’s Perspective),” reaffirmed SON’s commitment to enforcing high-quality petroleum product standards.
Addressing regulatory and enforcement gaps, Pankes noted that fuel adulteration persists due to weak compliance mechanisms.
He emphasized the need to align Nigeria’s fuel specifications with global benchmarks and called for a collective approach among stakeholders to close quality gaps.
He also highlighted SON’s commitment to investing more in research and development to enhance petroleum product quality.
Mr. Echem Nkem Jacob, Managing Director of Jankech Quality Service Limited, examined the technical parameters affecting fuel performance, focusing on fuel volatility, performance, and safety considerations.
According to him, fuel volatility (T10, T50, T90) affects fuel economy and engine startup efficiency.
He added that higher octane fuels enhance performance and engine longevity, while excessive sulfur and manganese levels contribute to engine degradation and environmental pollution.
Other stakeholders at the session recommended stronger enforcement, supporting regulators’ plans for intensified monitoring to eliminate substandard products.
They also called for continued stakeholder engagement, stressing that sustained dialogue is needed to address emerging challenges in the industry.
They, additionally appealed for capacity building and awareness programs aimed at enhancing industry knowledge and promoting compliance.
As a way forward, stakeholders recommended the final review and publishing of updated Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS) for white products to ensure alignment with global best practices.
Prominent industry leaders reinforced the importance of compliance in their goodwill messages during the event.
Mr. Adewole Olufemi, Executive Secretary of DAPPMAN, highlighted that fuel quality is the bedrock of the oil and gas industry and must be upheld consistently.
Dr. Hammed Fasola, delivering a goodwill message on behalf of IPMAN’s president, emphasized collaboration for improved fuel quality.
