The Federal Government has unveiled plans to map Nigeria comprehensively for expanded gas distribution and called for increased refinery capacity to strengthen the country’s position as a major exporter of petroleum products.
Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), made the announcement during a three-day tour of oil and gas facilities in Rivers State, where he engaged with operators across the midstream and downstream sectors.
Mohammed said the government is systematically mapping the country to allocate Gas Distribution Licences (GDLs) and establish a more extensive distribution network. In areas without transmission pipelines, virtual gas distribution, including compressed natural gas (CNG), will be deployed to ensure nationwide coverage.
He emphasized that the tours were part of routine stakeholder engagement rather than compliance inspections. “Our role is to ensure facilities meet standards and regulatory requirements. Scarcity drives prices, but making gas abundant is our job,” he said.
During the visit, Mohammed highlighted the importance of gas networks in providing cleaner energy to industries, reducing production costs, and easing consumer prices. He toured facilities including Stockgap Fuels Limited, Axxela Gas Limited, and Matrix, noting strong collaboration between operators and the authority.
On the final day, the focus shifted to refining capacity with a visit to Aradel Holdings’ 11,000bpd refinery in Ogbele. Mohammed stressed that Nigeria needs more refineries to meet domestic demand and boost export potential. “The Dangote refinery alone is not enough. We aim to serve Nigeria first, then export petroleum products to Africa, Europe, and America,” he said.
He also called for the revival of government-owned refineries, including those in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna, noting their importance to the nation’s energy security. Both private and state-owned refineries, he added, are crucial for sustained growth in the sector.
Adegbite Falade, CEO of Aradel Holdings, welcomed the visit, saying it encouraged operators to scale up refining and gas supply operations, contributing to Nigeria’s energy and economic development.
