The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has frowned at alleged extortions of petroleum marketers by perceived state government agents.

In an interview with journalists in Warri on Monday, the Delta coordinator of the NMDPRA, Victor Ohwodiasa, said the authority would not tolerate the act.

He said, ”We have been receiving complaints from marketers that some group of persons who claimed to be working for some agents of the government are extorting money from them.

“We will not tolerate that. If there are issues regarding any operation they notice is not being done well, they should report to us, and we will take necessary actions.”

He urged the public to respect section 48 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021, which stipulated that any agency or government that wanted to conduct any activity within the oil and gas sector should liaise with the NMDPRA.

Mr Ohwodiasa explained that the essence of the provision was to avoid unnecessary disruption in the distribution of petroleum products within and outside the state.

He cited the section to have stated that “Any government ministry, department or agency exercising any power or functions or taking any action which may have a direct impact on midstream or downstream petroleum operation shall consult with the authority prior to:

“Issuing any regulation, guideline, enforcement order and directives, exercising any such power or function, or taking any such action.

“The Authority shall review the recommendation of the government ministry, department or agency and communicate decisions accordingly, and decisions shall be complied with by the relevant government ministry, department or agency.”

Mr Ohwodiasa urged the public to be aware of the provisions of the section, noting that the NMDPRA had been receiving complaints from petroleum marketers on the activities of some individuals.

The coordinator added that he had yet to get details on the allegations, including the respective government agencies involved in the illegal activities.

He said oil and gas were on the exclusive list of the government, noting that whoever wanted to invest in the industry should approach the authority.

Mr Ohwodiasa reiterated that the NMDPRA was ready to collaborate with investors as long as they aimed to ensure the smooth distribution of petroleum products within the state and the country.

(NAN)