By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has hosted a delegation from the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) as part of efforts to strengthen regulatory knowledge and promote cross-border collaboration in the gas sector.
Speaking during the visit, Dr Mustapha Lamorde, Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community, who represented the Authority Chief Executive, highlighted Nigeria’s strategic focus on leveraging its vast gas resources to drive industrialisation, power generation, domestic energy use, and cleaner cooking solutions.
Lamorde noted that despite progress in the sector, infrastructure gaps remain a major challenge in ensuring efficient gas transportation across the country.
He outlined key Federal Government initiatives aimed at boosting gas utilisation, including the Decade of Gas programme, the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, and the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund, all designed to expand access and de-risk investments.
In his remarks, leader of the EWURA delegation, Msafiri Mtepa, expressed appreciation for the reception and knowledge exchange.
Mtepa said Tanzania is keen to strengthen its gas sector and sees Nigeria as a valuable reference point given its experience and ongoing reforms.
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He added that the visit would support EWURA’s regulatory priorities and enhance institutional capacity.
The engagement featured technical presentations from NMDPRA directorates, covering requirements for auto gas facilities, licensing frameworks, and regulatory standards.
Also speaking, Acting Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure, Engr Lukeman Cardoso, emphasised the Authority’s commitment to operational excellence, stressing that safety remains central to all regulatory activities.
As part of the three-day visit, NMDPRA designated a technical team to guide the EWURA delegation on tours of key gas infrastructure projects in Lagos and Rivers State, providing firsthand insights into Nigeria’s gas development landscape.
The visit concluded with both organisations expressing commitment to deepen cooperation and explore further areas of partnership in the gas sector.
