The Nigeria Energy Consumers Watch Initiative has accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of failing to stop the alleged importation and sale of adulterated and substandard petroleum products in Nigeria.

The group claimed that the alleged influx of blended fuel from the UAE and other countries posed a serious threat to consumers and the wider economy, accusing the regulator of failing to take decisive action against petroleum marketers allegedly involved in the importation of such products.

In a statement issued on Friday, President of the organisation, Abdulrahman Sani Ibrahim, said the continued presence of questionable petroleum products in the Nigerian market was unacceptable, particularly following previous concerns raised by the regulator over the quality of imported fuel.

The group recalled that NMDPRA had previously warned that it could stop supplying petrol to marketers found to be involved in importing or dealing in substandard petroleum products.

It, however, questioned why stronger regulatory action had not been taken despite what it described as the continued influx of blended products into the country.

“This is no longer a matter that can be treated with regulatory caution or empty threats. The NMDPRA knows the concerns that have been raised about the continuous importation of blended products from Dubai and other countries, and it has even warned that marketers involved in such practices could be denied petroleum supplies.

“If the regulator is aware of these activities and still allows them to continue, then it is failing in its fundamental responsibility to protect Nigerian consumers,” the group said.

The organisation described the alleged continued importation of adulterated fuel as an economic concern with implications beyond individual consumers, saying poor-quality petroleum products could damage vehicles and machinery, increase operating costs and place additional financial pressure on households and businesses.

It called on NMDPRA to intensify surveillance and testing of imported petroleum products at ports, depots and retail outlets, while demanding sanctions against marketers found to have imported or distributed products that failed to meet regulatory standards.

“The regulator cannot continue to issue warnings while the same practices it is warning against persist in the market. If a marketer deliberately imports or distributes adulterated fuel, the appropriate response should be immediate investigation, prosecution where necessary and sanctions that will deter others. Anything less gives the impression that the rules exist only on paper,” it said.

The group also urged the Federal Government to investigate the activities of major petroleum marketers allegedly involved in the importation of blended products and determine whether any regulatory officials had failed to perform their duties.

It said the matter should be treated as one of national economic importance because of its potential consequences for consumers, businesses and confidence in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

According to the organisation, Nigerians should not be made to bear the consequences of alleged regulatory failures through damaged engines, higher transportation costs or reduced business productivity.

“Nigerians are already paying heavily for fuel, and they should not also be made to bear the cost of poor regulation. Every litre of fuel that enters this country must meet the required quality standard, regardless of who imported it or how influential the marketer is.

“NMDPRA must stop protecting the interests of operators at the expense of consumers and begin enforcing the law without fear or favour,” the group said.

The organisation further called for greater transparency in petroleum-product testing, urging NMDPRA to regularly publish test results and disclose the identities of marketers whose products fail to meet prescribed quality requirements.

It warned that failure to take decisive action could further undermine public confidence in the downstream petroleum sector and hamper efforts to establish a transparent and competitive market.

The group said NMDPRA’s responsibility extended beyond facilitating petroleum supply to ensuring that products reaching consumers were safe and compliant with national standards.

It therefore urged the Federal Government to compel the regulator to provide a clear account of measures being taken to prevent the alleged entry and distribution of adulterated fuel.

The organisation also warned petroleum marketers against exploiting regulatory loopholes, stressing that commercial interests should not override consumer safety and the wider economic interest.

The Guardian reached out to the NMDPRA for clarification but has not yet received a response.