NMDPRA Engages Retailers to Boost Cooking Gas Safety Standards

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) held a key stakeholders’ forum with gas retailers and operators to elevate cooking gas safety standards and enforce Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) compliance, amid growing national demand.

NMDPRA stated on its official X handle that the engagement at its Jabi Annex in Abuja reviewed operational protocols for filling stations and LPG facilities.

NMDPRA’s North-Central regional coordinator, Maijiddah Abdulkadir, stated that adherence remains essential. She said, “The importance of compliance with statutory provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, operational integrity of retail infrastructure, and strict adherence to Health, Safety, Security, and Environment standards.”
Regulators explained that discussions covered pump calibration accuracy, LPG dispensing protocols, storage tank testing, fire safety systems, environmental protections, and licence enforcement.
NMDPRA stressed these measures protect consumers and curb incidents as cooking gas adoption rises.Retailers and marketers noted challenges in inspections and called for technical training. They said streamlined processes would aid compliance without halting operations.
NMDPRA described the session as a platform for alignment on post-PIA rules, promoting transparent oversight in the downstream sector.
The agency stated it commits to quality assurance across the retail chain.
The NMDPRA reported that the push will improve integrity, reduce risks, and foster trust. Officials added that with prices stable below N1,000 per 12.5kg cylinder, enhanced standards ensure safer access for households.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has intensified regulatory oversight of gas and liquid petroleum retail outlets, warning operators to comply strictly with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and health and safety standards.

The directive was reinforced during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Abuja, Jabi Annex, where regulators and industry operators reviewed operational standards across filling stations and gas retail facilities.
Speaking, the Regional Coordinator of NMDPRA, North-Central, Mrs Maijiddah Abdulkadir, stressed that compliance with statutory requirements remains non-negotiable.
“The importance of compliance with statutory provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, operational integrity of retail infrastructure, and strict adherence to Health, Safety, Security, and Environment standards,” she said.

Discussions at the session covered pump calibration accuracy, LPG dispensing protocols, storage tank integrity testing, fire safety systems, environmental protection measures, and enforcement of approved operating licences.
Industry stakeholders, including marketers, station operators and gas retailers, raised concerns about inspection procedures, regulatory bottlenecks and the need for continuous technical training to improve compliance levels.
NMDPRA used the gathering to reiterate that accurate pump calibration and safe LPG handling remain critical to consumer protection and public safety, particularly amid rising fuel and cooking gas demand.
The engagement reinforced NMDPRA’s commitment to transparent regulation and product quality assurance within Nigeria’s downstream sector.
According to the agency, the forum served as a strategic platform to align operators with evolving regulatory expectations while strengthening oversight mechanisms across the retail value chain.
The stricter enforcement of PIA provisions and HSSE standards is expected to enhance operational integrity, reduce safety incidents, and improve consumer confidence in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market.