NMDPRA Warns IPMAN Members Against Pump Under-Dispensing

• NMDPRA warned Ogun IPMAN members against pump under-dispensing and unlicensed operations, introducing stricter penalties of ₦100,000 per pump

• Enforcement of truck loading limits and permit compliance will begin March 1, aiming to enhance transparency and consumer protection

The Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has issued a stern warning to members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) in Ogun State against infractions such as pump under-dispensing and operating without valid approvals.

The authority also announced plans to shut down stations without valid permits starting next month.

The NMDPRA State Coordinator, Akinyemi Atilola, gave the warning on Thursday in Abeokuta during a stakeholder engagement session with IPMAN executives in Mosimi.

Atilola emphasized that customers must get value for their money, warning that penalties will now be enforced per fuel pump found guilty of under-dispensing.

“I am not an advocate of using fines as the first corrective measure, but as I have observed, many cases of under-dispensing are specific to locations, stations, or plants. Previously, if your station was caught under-dispensing, you only paid N100,000, regardless of how many pumps were involved.

“But from now on, penalties will be applied per pump. If five pumps are decommissioned for under-dispensing, the station will pay N500,000 because the law states N100,000 per pump,” Atilola explained.

He urged IPMAN executives to ensure their members properly calibrate fuel pumps to guarantee accuracy, stressing, “10 litres must be 10 litres.”

The NMDPRA also warned against:

• Delays in permit renewals
• The use of consultants by IPMAN members
• Poor housekeeping standards at fuel stations

Additionally, Atilola announced that enforcement of the new directive on truck loading capacities exceeding 60,000 litres will begin on March 1.

The State Coordinator reassured marketers that NMDPRA is an enabler of business, not a regulator aiming to shut them down. He stated that the authority remains committed to supporting the Federal Government’s five key economic goals:

1. Encouraging the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
2. Eradicating poverty
3. Boosting employment opportunities
4. Expanding the use of gas for industrial development
5. Enhancing the overall growth of industries

In response, IPMAN executives, led by Chairman Chief Salimon Ajayi (popularly known as Rantipe), applauded the NMDPRA for engaging with stakeholders. They assured the authority of their members’ commitment to ensuring the security of fuel supply and compliance with regulations.

“We will cooperate with you and stand by you to succeed,” Rantipe stated.

This renewed enforcement by NMDPRA aims to enhance transparency, protect consumers, and ensure a more efficient fuel distribution system in Ogun State and beyond.