The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has introduced a draft regulation that outlines how petrol stations should be properly shut down and decommissioned. But many fuel station owners are not happy with the plan.

During a public meeting in Abuja, retailers in the downstream sector argued that the proposed rules should apply only to larger facilities in the midstream sector, not to everyday fuel stations. They fear the new procedures could lead to more costs and complications for their businesses.

NMDPRA officials, however, insist that these rules are necessary to protect the environment — especially to prevent old or abandoned stations from polluting underground water sources. The agency says it wants to simplify and strengthen existing safety, environmental, and shutdown guidelines by merging them into one clear regulation.

The Authority’s legal adviser, Joseph Tolurushe, explained that the goal is to reduce overlapping rules, make things easier for operators, and follow international standards. He noted that feedback from the industry will be taken seriously, and the regulation is still open for changes before final approval.

The Authority’s Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, added that the new rules are supported by the Petroleum Industry Act and aim to ensure better compliance and cleaner operations across Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

Once the consultation process ends, the revised regulation will be reviewed legally and officially published — a process expected to take about a month.