The Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Saidu Mohammed, has cautioned African policymakers against adopting rigid fuel specification harmonisation targets, urging a phased, market-sensitive approach that reflects the continent’s diverse regulatory and infrastructure realities.

Speaking at a panel session titled ‘Policy Pathways to Fuel Specification Harmonisation: Regulation, Progress and Ambition’ during African Refiners and Distributors Association Week 2026 in Cape Town, Mohammed stressed that while harmonisation remains a strategic continental objective, a “one-size-fits-all” framework is impractical given disparities in regulatory capacity, infrastructure and refining capabilities across African countries.

African Refiners and Distributors Association Week 2026, which marks two decades of Africa’s downstream industry coordination, brought together regulators, policymakers and industry leaders to explore pathways toward a more integrated and resilient energy market.

He advocated a step-by-step alignment model that allows countries to transition at a pace consistent with domestic realities, without disrupting supply chains or imposing additional cost pressures on consumers.

“Harmonisation must be pragmatic and context-driven. We must align ambition with execution realities,” he stated.

Mohammed highlighted Nigeria’s regulatory direction under the NMDPRA, pointing to ongoing efforts to tighten fuel quality standards while preserving supply stability and market efficiency.

He emphasised that effective regulation must strike a balance between environmental sustainability goals and affordability, particularly in developing markets where energy access remains a critical concern.

He identified stronger inter-regulatory collaboration, policy clarity and consistency, sustained investment in refining and distribution infrastructure and realistic transition timelines as key enablers for successful harmonisation.

According to him, improved alignment of fuel specifications will help to reduce market distortions, curb cross-border arbitrage and enhance regional trade, while supporting the gradual transition to cleaner fuels across the continent.

Mohammed also pointed to growing refining capacity in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, as a critical lever for advancing harmonisation efforts and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.