Business
Umar Pledges Strong Energy Security Amid NMDPRA Reforms
NMDPRA energy security reforms Umar pledge sees the agency chief commit to stronger fuel supply stability, regulatory efficiency, and national energy security
The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Rabiu Umar, has pledged sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening energy security and ensuring stable fuel supply across Nigeria.
Also read: Dangote Highlights Excessive Spending by NMDPRA Chief, Calls for Probe
NMDPRA energy security reforms Umar pledge followed his screening on May 5, 2026, during which lawmakers commended his industry expertise, professionalism, and strategic vision for the petroleum sector.
Nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on April 29, 2026, Umar is tasked with reinforcing regulatory effectiveness and accelerating reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act.
During his appearance before lawmakers, he outlined a reform agenda focused on supply stability, regulatory efficiency, investor confidence, and nationwide product availability.
He stressed that global disruptions, including geopolitical tensions affecting major shipping routes, would continue to influence fuel prices but should not destabilise Nigeria’s domestic supply system.
“Global events may affect prices, but they should not define Nigeria’s stability. Our task is to build a petroleum system strong enough to absorb shocks,” Umar said.
He explained that his administration would prioritise strengthening Nigeria’s 22 depots, maintaining adequate stock buffers, and improving coordination across relevant agencies to ensure consistent fuel availability nationwide.
Umar emphasised that true energy security is measured by accessibility rather than storage volumes alone.
“Energy security is not measured only by volumes in storage. It is measured by whether fuel is available when Nigerians need it,” he stated.
With over two decades of experience in the petroleum and industrial sectors, Umar has held senior roles in major organisations including Oando Plc, Ashaka Cement Plc, and the Dangote Group, where he served as Group Chief Commercial Officer until recently.
His nomination has already received backing from key industry stakeholders, including petroleum marketers and retail operators, who described his appointment as timely and well-suited to address sector challenges.
Umar also promised to reposition the NMDPRA as a more efficient and investment-friendly regulator by eliminating bureaucratic delays and improving service delivery.
“The NMDPRA under my leadership will be firm in regulation, fair in conduct, and fast in execution,” he said.
Also read: Nigeria LPG Supply Falls Amid Rising Prices and Middle East Crisis
Industry observers say his reform agenda signals a potential shift toward stronger regulatory credibility, improved supply-chain efficiency, and increased private sector participation in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry.
The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) has dismissed allegations that it appropriated the Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit (NDEIS) brand, insisting it lawfully obtained trademark acceptance for the name and will proceed with its 2026 summit as scheduled.
In a statement issued on September 12, 2026, the chamber described claims by Kunle Nwiwa Junior as “cheap blackmail, misleading, mischievous and a misrepresentation of the facts,” maintaining that it independently developed the summit and followed all required regulatory procedures.
According to NDCCITMA, it applied for and received a Trademark Acceptance Letter for the name Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit (NDEIS) in August 2025 under File No. NG/TM/O/2025/387284.
The chamber said the chronology of events contradicts allegations that it copied another party’s application, arguing that its trademark acceptance predated the period during which Nwiwa’s own application was reportedly still pending before the relevant authorities.
“Economic Summit” is a generic expression
NDCCITMA further argued that the phrase “Economic Summit” is a generic description widely used for conferences that bring together governments, investors, businesses, development institutions and other stakeholders to discuss investment and economic development.
The chamber maintained that while concepts may be widely used, legal protection only arises from recognised intellectual property rights, including duly registered trademarks and other enforceable proprietary interests.
It therefore rejected suggestions that any individual or organisation has exclusive ownership of the broader concept of an economic summit.
Court grants interim injunction
Addressing reports that the summit had been halted, NDCCITMA said the dispute is already before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt and that there is no court order restraining the event.
The chamber disclosed that in Suit No. FHC/PHC/CS/57/2026, Justice Stephen Dalyop Pam granted an interim injunction restraining the defendants—Kunle Nwiwa Junior and Keneva Consult Ltd.—from interfering with the planned summit.
According to NDCCITMA, the court also directed the defendants to remove publications, notices, petitions, social media posts and other statements allegedly considered damaging to the chamber’s name, integrity and reputation pending the hearing of its motion for interlocutory injunction.
The matter has been adjourned until September 22, 2026 for further hearing.
Chamber rejects ₦500 million demand claim
NDCCITMA also alleged that it had received a demand from Nwiwa Junior requesting ₦500 million as a condition for abandoning his claims over the summit.
The chamber said the demand was rejected, adding that it subsequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over what it described as repeated harassment and threats directed at its officials.
It said the petition sought police intervention, including inviting the complainant for questioning and caution where necessary.
Summit opens September 15
Despite the legal dispute, NDCCITMA reaffirmed that the 2026 Niger Delta Economic & Investment Summit will hold from September 15 to 17, 2026, at the Obi Wali Conference Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The summit will be held under the theme “Driving Investment, Innovation & Industrial Growth in the Niger Delta” and is expected to bring together policymakers, investors, business leaders, development partners and industry stakeholders to discuss economic transformation across the region.
The chamber said it remains committed to promoting commerce, industry, trade, mining, agriculture and sustainable economic development throughout the Niger Delta while allowing the courts to determine all outstanding legal issues.
Tinubu Niger Delta summit opens in Port Harcourt as investors and policymakers gather to drive investment, innovation and industrial growth
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