Petroleum Ministry reaffirms commitment to institutional collaboration

By Damilare Adeleye

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Patience Oyekunle, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to institutional collaboration as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s petroleum sector and sustain ongoing reforms.

Oyekunle gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Abuja, where discussions centred on regulatory efficiency, sector stability, and policy alignment.

The Authority Chief Executive, Saidu Mohammed, described the visit as timely, coming at a critical phase in Nigeria’s energy transition and reform drive.

He reiterated the Authority’s mandate to guarantee energy security while improving performance across the midstream and downstream segments of the industry.

Mohammed said the NMDPRA is implementing key reforms aimed at enhancing regulatory effectiveness and positioning the agency as a globally competitive regulator.

In her remarks, Oyekunle commended the Authority for its handling of sector complexities, particularly in balancing the interests of investors, operators, and consumers.

She emphasised that sustained collaboration between the Ministry and the regulator is essential to delivering on both current and proposed policy reforms.

According to her, both institutions share a unified objective of advancing Nigeria’s petroleum industry through coordinated action and strategic alignment.

Also speaking is Executive Director, Health, Petroleum Products Inspection and Transportation Infrastructure, Francis A. Ogaree stressed that a strong working relationship between the Ministry and the Authority is critical for effective policy implementation and sector growth.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both parties to deepen cooperation, accelerate reforms, and ensure the sustainable development of Nigeria’s petroleum industry amid evolving global energy dynamics.