FCCPC, NMDPRA Strengthen Alliance to Protect Consumer Rights in Petroleum Sector

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have pledged to intensify collaboration to safeguard consumer rights and uphold fair practices in Nigeria’s petroleum sector. At a stakeholder engagement held in Abuja, both agencies underscored the need for stronger oversight in the downstream industry, where issues such as arbitrary pricing, hoarding, meter tampering, and anti-competitive conduct have continued to undermine consumer welfare. FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Babatunde Irukera, stressed that the partnership is aimed at closing regulatory gaps and ensuring that consumers get the exact value of what they pay for. He vowed that the Commission will no longer tolerate under-dispensing or deceptive practices at fuel stations. “Every Nigerian deserves the right quantity and quality of fuel purchased. We are prepared to act decisively against operators who exploit consumers or manipulate the market,” Irukera said. Similarly, NMDPRA Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, highlighted that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has given the Authority the necessary framework to drive transparency and compliance in the downstream sector. He noted that the collaboration with FCCPC will strengthen enforcement and ensure accountability across the petroleum supply chain. “The downstream industry must operate with fairness and integrity. Any operator who violates regulations risks losing their licence. Compliance is not optional,” Ahmed stated. Both regulators revealed that their partnership will focus on coordinated monitoring, joint enforcement operations, and public awareness campaigns. Planned measures include spot checks at depots and filling stations, data sharing to detect collusion, strict application of fines and licence suspensions for violators, and nationwide campaigns to educate consumers on their rights and reporting channels. The renewed alliance comes at a time of mounting public frustration over fuel shortages, price volatility, and frequent reports of short delivery at petrol stations. Analysts say consistent enforcement and transparency will be crucial in restoring public confidence. While welcoming the collaboration, stakeholders urged the agencies to move beyond promises and ensure regular publication of enforcement actions to deter malpractice. The FCCPC and NMDPRA have assured that the days of unchecked exploitation in the petroleum sector are numbered, stressing that consumer welfare and market fairness will remain central to their joint operations