Lagos: The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has called on investors in the oil and gas industry to diversify operations and expand beyond the South-South and South-West regions of the country. The Authority emphasized that the northern region, with its large population and increasing energy demand, presents significant opportunities crucial for Nigeria’s energy growth and economic balance. Prof. Zainab Gobir, Executive Director of Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning at NMDPRA, made the appeal during the OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week 2025 in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Gobir urged investors to rethink their business models and explore opportunities across all geopolitical zones to ensure equitable participation and sustainable energy access nationwide. She stated that companies must consider population and available volumes in all regions to optimize margins and logistics. Gobir further disclosed that the authority is leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to enhance transparency, efficiency, and investor engagement across Nigeria’s midstream and downstream oil and gas sectors.
Gobir highlighted that NMDPRA is deploying AI for data collection and integrating it into operations to improve regulatory performance. She noted that consumers would soon be able to access real-time pricing data and select preferred retail outlets. The Authority has also automated key regulatory processes to enhance operational efficiency, compliance monitoring, and customer experience.
The Executive Director mentioned that NMDPRA is developing a comprehensive data bank to provide operators with real-time market information and business intelligence. She announced the automation of the investment portal, allowing prospective investors to register and join monthly roundtables to explore new sector opportunities. Furthermore, NMDPRA’s consumer experience platform has been automated to enable public engagement and direct reporting of market issues.
Gobir emphasized the necessity of automation and AI-driven systems for market scaling and sustainable growth, cautioning that operators who resist technological adoption risk being left behind. She underscored the importance of accurate demographic and operational data for taxation, logistics, and market reach. Gobir stated that NMDPRA is transitioning into a business enabler, supporting small and medium-sized operators to scale through technology and data access.
The Executive Director announced that NMDPRA is opening its systems to third-party data integration to foster inclusivity and improve market intelligence. She reiterated the Authority’s commitment to promoting transparency, innovation, and regional equity in the downstream oil and gas industry as part of Nigeria’s broader push towards sustainable energy development.