The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has charged relevant stakeholders to make inputs into the draft guidelines for biofuels operations in the country.
Speaking at the review workshop for the draft ‘Guidelines For Biofuel Operations in Nigeria’, Authority Chief Executive (ACE), Engr Farouk Ahmed, disclosed that the Authority has developed a regulatory framework for biofuels which is essential for fostering sustainable energy practices and addressing climate change.
He added that the guidelines govern not only quality specifications, production and distribution, but also encourage investments in the sector.
He said: “Understanding the historical context and current regulations surrounding biofuels reveals Nigeria’s continuous effort towards low carbon fuel economy. This framework paves the way for future innovations in the development of biofuel markets and investments in Nigeria while maintaining environmental stewardship.”
Authority Chief Executive was unequivocal on the need to have an effective regulatory framework that is unambiguous in content and context.
He explained: “Without clear laws, the biofuels industry may face inconsistencies and uncertainty, deterring investment and stifling technological advancements.”
Engr Ahmed insisted that a robust legal framework facilitates market stability, and allows stakeholders to operate with defined guidelines that promote both economic growth and sustainable practices.
He further argued that compliance with international treaties and agreements is equally crucial, saying, “The legal framework for biofuels ensures adherence to these global standards, enhancing international cooperation and trust.”
The NMDPRA boss maintained that such alignment is key to achieving collective renewable energy goals and enhancing energy security across nations.
Ultimately, he argued further that the legal landscape surrounding biofuels is essential for balancing ecological concerns, economic interests, and energy needs.
Engr Ahmed submitted that by establishing clear policies and standards, the legal framework fosters a conducive environment for the growth of a sustainable biofuel market.
“I, therefore, call on you all to participate effectively in this review workshop, such that the final product will be a veritable tool for the sustainable growth of the biofuel subsector of our energy supply value chain,” he urged the stakeholders.
In the meantime, the NMDPRA has decried incessant road mishaps by tanker accidents in the country.
At a meeting with stakeholders operating in the logistics sub-sector downstream of the industry, the NMDPRA boss revealed that four road tanker accidents were recorded in 2022 that led to seven fatalities and three injuries.
He added that the number of incidents decreased in the year 2023 to two resulting in 24 fatalities and five injuries. By the year 2024, the number of accidents increased to 11 incidents leading to 341 fatalities and 124 injuries.
Then this year, five road tanker accidents leading to 121 fatalities and 79 injuries have so happened.
He declared that the incidents were unnecessary and unacceptable, saying they must be prevented and brought down to zero.
“We strongly believe that the incidents are avoidable and unnecessary because over the years, we have placed all necessary measures to prevent and mitigate their occurrence,” he stated.
According to him, the Authority has taken measures aimed at eliminating taker road accidents. The measures taken so far include the introduction of Minimum Industry Safety Training for Downstream Operators (MISTDO), which includes training and retraining of drivers, motor boys, and all personnel involved in downstream operations.
Also, there was the installation of anti-spill safety valves on all petroleum product tanker trucks.
He added: “Other measures included the implementation of safe-to-load initiatives. Colour coding and branding of all tank trucks. Spot checks by FRSC on fatigued drivers and those under the influence. Broadcast of post-crash emergency numbers and first responders to cordon-off accident sites. Enlightenment and sensitization of the public about the dangers of scooping the volatile hydrocarbons at accident sites. Regular meetings with stakeholders. Regulating route management by designating routes and commuting times. Determination of appropriate truck carrying capacity (60,000 litres vs 45,000 litres) given the negative impact on the roads.”
He stressed that these requirements were arrived at by the industry collectively, under learnings from previous accidents and safety studies conducted to ensure that our business of energy provision and
distribution is conducted safely and securely.
“It is therefore unacceptable for any operator to conduct business in contravention of established protocols and safety requirements. It is these contraventions, coupled with the poor conditions of our transportation infrastructure that is leading to the unnecessary accidents and unfortunate loss of lives and properties,” he stated.
Engr Ahmed declared that the fact that these accidents keep recurring is indicative of non-compliance by the industry with the established safety measures or that the measures are defective.
The Authority directed all parties to ensure strict compliance with the established safety requirements.
Going forward, he said all the stakeholders will examine the defects that are observed in the established safety provisions and agree on necessary actions to close identified gaps.
