NMDPRA Seeks Stakeholders Inputs Into Draft Biofuels Operations Guidelines
By Stephanie Odiase
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has urged relevant stakeholders to make inputs into the draft guidelines for biofuels operations in the country.
Chief Executive Officer of the regulatory authority, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, made the call while speaking at the review workshop for the draft ‘Guidelines for Biofuel Operations in Nigeria.’
He disclosed that the Authority developed the regulatory framework for biofuels which is essential for fostering sustainable energy practices and addressing climate change, adding that the guidelines will not only govern quality specifications, production and distribution, but will also encourage investments in the sector.
“This framework paves the way for future innovations in the development of biofuel markets and investments in Nigeria while maintaining environmental stewardship,” Ahmed said, noting that the need to have an effective regulatory framework that is unambiguous in content and context cannot be over emphasized.
He stressed that without clear laws, the biofuels industry may face inconsistencies and uncertainty, deterring investment and stifling technological advancements. While a robust legal framework, on the other hand, facilitates market stability, and allows stakeholders to operate with defined guidelines that promote both economic growth and sustainable practices.
He further explained that the legal framework for biofuels ensures adherence to global standards, thereby enhancing international cooperation and trust, maintaining that such alignment is key to achieving collective renewable energy goals and enhancing energy security across nations.
Meanwhile, the NMDPRA has decried incessant road mishaps by tanker accidents in the country leading to loss of lives and destruction of properties.
Speaking at a meeting with stakeholders operating in the logistics sub-sector downstream of the industry, the NMDPRA boss revealed that such accidents have been on the rise.
He disclosed that while four road tanker accidents were recorded in 2022, leading to seven fatalities and three injuries, two accidents were recorded in 2023 resulting in 24 fatalities and five injuries. By the year 2024, the number of accidents increased to 11, resulting in 341 fatalities and 124 injuries, while five tanker accidents have so far been recorded this year leading to 121 fatalities and 79 injuries.
Ahmed declared that the incidents were unnecessary and unacceptable, insisting that they must be prevented and brought down to zero. “We strongly believe that the incidents are avoidable and unnecessary because over the years, we have placed all necessary measures to prevent and mitigate their occurrence,” he stated.
He noted the measures taken so far by the Authority to include, the introduction of Minimum Industry Safety Training for Downstream Operators (MISTDO), which includes training and retraining of drivers, motor boys, and all personnel involved in downstream operations; as well as the installation of anti-spill safety valves on all petroleum product tanker trucks.
Other measures include the implementation of safe-to-load initiatives, colour coding and branding of all tank trucks, spot checks by FRSC on fatigued and under the influence drivers, broadcast of post-crash emergency numbers and first responders to cordon-off accident sites, enlightenment and sensitization of the public about the dangers of scooping the volatile hydrocarbons at accident sites and regulating route management by designating routes and commuting times.
Ahmed who noted that the measures were arrived at by the industry collectively, under learnings from previous accidents and safety studies conducted, said, “It is unacceptable for any operator to conduct business in contravention of established protocols and safety requirements.”
The Authority further directed all parties to ensure strict compliance with the established safety requirements, stressing that going forward, all stakeholders will examine the defects observed in the established safety provisions and agree on necessary actions to close identified gaps in efforts to end incessant tanker accidents in the country.
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