NMDPRA Licensing Advisory: Avoid Third-Party Agents, Regulator Cautions Applicants"
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has issued a warning to applicants seeking operational licenses. They cautioned against using third parties to access their automated licensing portal, as the NMDPRA has not authorized any agents to assist applicants.
The NMDPRA emphasized this warning during a gathering in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, as part of their nationwide efforts to inform heavy petroleum product users about the need to obtain storage licenses. They also urged stakeholders to embrace the transition from white products to gas at the final stage, in line with the evolving industry landscape.
During the event, Ogbugo Ukoha, the Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure (DSSRI) at the Authority, addressed the issue based on feedback from previous engagements in Lagos and Enugu. He highlighted that many applicants had been relying on agents who claimed to assist with the process, leading to complaints about delayed approvals, which were wrongly attributed to the NMDPRA.
Ukoha stated, "Some applicants have been depending on third parties to access our licensing portals, but these agents provide little or no value addition. Moreover, this approach causes delays and inefficiencies in the process."
He further clarified that the NMDPRA does not have any authorized agents. The licensing portals are designed for applicants to log in, create a personal password, and upload their documents directly without the involvement of intermediaries.