By Bassey Udo
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has proposed ja pragmatic, phased approach to fuel specification harmonisation across Africa.
The Authority Chief Executive of the agency, Engineer Saidu Mohammed, who spoke during the panel session on “Policy Pathways to Fuel Specification Harmonisation: Regulation, Progress, and Ambition,” at the African Refiners and Distributors Association Week 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, however cautioned against rigid targets that do not reflect market realities.
Mohammed said while harmonisation remained a strategic continental goal, a “one-size-fits-all” framework was impracticable given disparities in regulatory capacity, infrastructure, and refining capabilities across African countries.
He advocated for a step-by-step alignment model that allowed countries to transition at a pace consistent with domestic realities, without disrupting supply chains or imposing additional cost pressures on consumers.
“Harmonisation must be pragmatic and context-driven. We must align ambition with execution realities,” he stated.
Mohammed highlighted Nigeria’s regulatory direction under the NMDPRA, noting ongoing efforts to tighten fuel quality standards, while preserving supply stability and market efficiency.
He emphasised that effective regulation must balance environmental objectives with affordability and energy access, particularly in developing markets.
Identifying key enablers for successful harmonisation,he said these should include stronger inter-regulatory collaboration, policy clarity and consistency, sustained investment in refining and distribution infrastructure, and realistic transition timelines.
Improved alignment of fuel specifications, he said, would help reduce market distortions, curb cross-border arbitrage, and enhance regional trade, while supporting the gradual transition to cleaner fuels across the continent.
Mohammed also pointed to growing refining capacity in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, as a critical factor in advancing harmonisation efforts and reducing reliance on imported petroleum products.
ARDA Week 2026, marking two decades of Africa’s downstream industry coordination, convened regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders to examine pathways for a more integrated and resilient energy market.
