The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, has issued a warning to refineries, depot owners, and other operators in the midstream and downstream sectors regarding poor waste management practices.

The directive was addressed to all licensed waste management service providers, in a memo dated April 3, 2025 (Ref: NMDPRA/HQ/HSEC.02/2025/181), emphasizing the need for strict compliance with environmental standards.

The memo, signed by Mustapha Lamorde on behalf of NMDPRA Chief Executive Farouk Ahmed, emphasized the need to improve waste management practices.

“As we continue to navigate the complexities of the oil and gas industry, we must address one of the most pressing issues facing our sector: waste management.

“Effective waste management is not only crucial for environmental sustainability but also for the health and safety of our communities and the long-term viability of our operations,” the NMDPRA said.

The regulator noted that Nigeria’s midstream and downstream oil and gas sectors play a vital role in economic growth and energy supply.

However, it also acknowledged that these sectors generate various types of waste, including liquid, solid, chemical waste, and emissions.

It warned that improper handling and disposal of these wastes can lead to severe environmental contamination, water pollution, air pollution, soil degradation, and health risks.

“Section 31 (c) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 stipulates that the Authority promote healthy, safe, efficient and effective conduct of Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Operations in an environmentally acceptable and sustainable manner and Part V (2) of The Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Environmental Regulation (MDER) 2023, also states that a licensee or permit holder shall be responsible for the management of waste emanating from its petroleum operations from “cradle to grave” in accordance with the WMP of the project, activity or operation,” the memo read partly.

In response, the agency has approved strategic waste management initiatives designed to protect the environmental ecosystem and uphold its ‘cradle to grave’ approach to waste mitigation.

It also mandated operators in the sector to carry out detailed waste audits to identify and evaluate the types and volumes of waste produced across all operational stages.

Operators are required to implement waste segregation practices to prevent cross-contamination and ensure safe storage prior to final treatment at NMDPRA-approved facilities.

To minimize waste generation, the regulator encouraged licensees to adopt measures such as process optimization, reduced chemical use, and the deployment of efficient technologies, including innovative wastewater management techniques.

Also, they were asked to utilise advanced treatment technologies to remove contaminants and pollutants from waste streams while promoting recycling and reuse of materials wherever possible to reduce the volume of waste requiring disposal.

Emphasizing strict compliance with NMDPRA waste management regulations, the agency stressed the need for robust monitoring systems to track waste management practices and evaluate their effectiveness, supported by efficient feedback mechanisms.

“The incoming wastes shall be analysed before and after treatment for the relevant parameters of concern. The storage of both treated and untreated wastes shall be managed to prevent and minimise ingress of material into the environment. Submissions of waste manifests of all waste received at treatment facilities shall be ensured on a quarterly basis.

“All secondary waste generated from NMDPRA-accredited waste treatment facilities shall be accounted for and finally disposed of in an NMDPRA-accredited engineered landfill.

“Finally, effective waste management is a shared responsibility that requires initiatives, the industry can significantly reduce the environmental and health concerted efforts from all stakeholders. By implementing these strategic impacts of operations, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for our communities and industry,” the NMDPRA directed.