*Rabiu A. Umar, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, discloses the agency is currently working on a process to advance and sustain gas supply, market participation, infrastructure access, contract performance, payment discipline, reliable market data, and credible price signals
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
In a move to ensure sustainable growth in gas supply, utilisation, and infrastructure investment, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has commenced work on defining clear and measurable conditions for the transition of Nigeria’s domestic gas market for improved commercial contracting under a willing-buyer, willing-seller framework.
ConsumerConnect reports Malam Rabiu A. Umar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NMDPRA, disclosed this development Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the “Decade of Gas” Market Maturity Workshop, held at the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Headquarters, in Abuja, FCT.
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The Authority noted the workshop was part of efforts at deepening Nigeria’s domestic gas market, and creating conditions that could encourage investment, improve market efficiency, and strengthen confidence among industry participants in the Nigerian economy.
The NMDPRA in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and the Decade of Gas Secretariat organised the forum.
Umar noted that the essential process would be guided by indicators, including gas supply, market participation, infrastructure access, contract performance, payment discipline, reliable market data and credible price signals.
The Chief Executive of The Authority affirmed that the country’s gas market has recorded growth in product supply, utilisation and infrastructure investment.
He, however, observed that the industry continued to face challenges, such as supply constraints, limited infrastructure access, payment risks, and weak contract performance.
Umar on strategies for transition to a more mature gas market
Highlighting measures for transitioning into the next phase of reforms in the industry, Umar stated: “The transition towards a more mature market will require clear and measurable conditions, guided by indicators, such as gas supply, market participation, infrastructure access, contract performance, payment discipline, reliable market data and credible price signals.”
The CEO NMDPRA as well emphasised that achieving a mature gas market would require coordinated efforts among producers, buyers, infrastructure operators, financial institutions, government and regulators.
The objective, he said, is to create a market where investment responds confidently to demand, infrastructure supports efficient transactions, and contracts command greater credibility.
According to him, regulatory intervention would gradually reduce as the market develops, and becomes increasingly capable of supporting commercial transactions in the Nigerian economy.