Oredola Adeola
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has announced plans to boost export-oriented energy projects through free zone frameworks by deepening regulatory collaboration with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, and Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority.
The initiative was highlighted during the inaugural meeting of the Technical Working Group on Investment Promotion for Nigeria’s midstream and downstream oil and gas sector, convened earlier this week by Engr. Saidu Mohammed.
The Authority said the move is aimed at unlocking fresh capital inflows into the sector, noting that the initiative reflects a coordinated federal push to align regulatory frameworks, incentives, and operational processes to ease doing business across the energy value chain.
Representing the Authority Chief Executive at the meeting, Dr. Olasupo Agbaje, acting Executive Director, Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning, stressed that the Technical Working Group is rooted in the investment-enabling provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, particularly those promoting licensing transparency, infrastructure development, open access, and market-based pricing.
He added that the midstream and downstream segments—from gas processing and pipelines to LNG, LPG, refining, storage, distribution, and retail—remain central to Nigeria’s energy security and industrialisation goals.
Findings by Advisors Reports indicate that discussions also addressed legacy constraints such as infrastructure deficits, forex exposure, and contract enforcement concerns, while leveraging free zone structures to spur export-driven projects.
The Authority emphasized that joint collaboration with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, and
