Lawyers set for showdown with MD, NMDPRA Petrol Import Licenses breach, set for legal action

 Arising from the bombshell disclosure by no less a personality than Aliko Dangote on the perceived shortcomings of the embattled managing director of the downstream regulator, leaders of the League of Patriotic Lawyers have taken up the gauntlet to add fire to the disclosure by calling for the release of the names of beneficiaries of the import license.

 Stories by Clement Ebaku and Lucy Okulougbo in Lagos.

A group of lawyers, under the aegis of the League of Patriotic Lawyers, has called on the Federal Government to review certain policies of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, in the interest of easing hardship faced by Nigerians.

 The group, led by its Chairman and former President of the Nigerian Universities Students Union, Barrister Abubakar Yesufu, made the call while addressing journalists at a press conference.

 Yesufu said the group was concerned about what it described as regulatory practices in the downstream petroleum sector, which, according to him, have continued to affect fuel pricing and availability.

 He commended the management of Dangote Refinery for the recent reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, to N740 per litre, describing the move as a positive step towards easing the burden on Nigerians.

 According to him, the development has reignited public discourse on the role of regulation in determining fuel costs and the need for policies that encourage local refining and competition.

 He said the lawyers’ group would continue to engage with relevant authorities and mobilize public opinion to advocate for reforms within the petroleum regulatory framework, ensuring fairness, transparency, and affordability.

 They then issued a three-day ultimatum for the embattled managing director to disclose the names of beneficiaries or face legal action.

 Also speaking, Comrade Sule Ahmed Oyofo, who represents a coalition of 32 civil society organisations, stated that the groups are committed to promoting accountability and policy reforms in the energy sector through lawful and democratic means.

 The speakers raised concerns over reports of multiple fuel import licenses issued by the NMDPRA and called on the agency to provide clarification on the licensing process in order to promote transparency and public confidence.

 They urged the authority to consider making available information on beneficiaries of import licenses, stressing that such disclosure would help dispel public speculation and strengthen trust in the regulatory system.

 The group also appealed to relevant oversight and anti-corruption agencies to carry out routine reviews, in line with their statutory mandates, to ensure that regulatory processes in the petroleum sector adhere to due process.

 They further called on President Bola Tinubu to continue efforts aimed at strengthening institutions in the oil and gas sector, noting that effective regulation remains critical to achieving energy security, attracting investment,
and protecting consumers.