By Mary Izuaka

 

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force to enhance regulatory compliance and enforcement across the petroleum industry in Niger State.

The NMDPRA disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X handle on Thursday.

According to the Statement, the NMDPRA State Coordinator, Niger State, Musa Isyaku, made the call on Tuesday when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, at the Command Headquarters in Dutsen-kura, Minna.

Mr Isyaku highlighted the Authority’s mandate to regulate the midstream and downstream petroleum sectors.

He stressed the importance of security support during inspection and enforcement operations against illegal and unlicensed operators.

He also sought the Police Command’s assistance in addressing cases of individuals impersonating NMDPRA officials to extort petroleum marketers, as well as the alleged illegal fabrication of NMDPRA identification and number plates.

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In his response, Mr Elleman assured the NMDPRA delegation of the Command’s commitment to strengthening synergy with the Authority, particularly in enforcement, inspection and the protection of regulatory personnel.

He pledged adequate security support for legitimate NMDPRA operations and assured that the complaints raised would receive appropriate investigative attention.

The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of both institutions to promoting regulatory compliance, protecting legitimate petroleum businesses and curbing illegal activities within Niger State’s petroleum sector.