The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has called on the new Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, to make ending the recurring tanker explosions across the country a top priority.

In a statement on Wednesday, Lokpobiri said that during a familiarisation visit to his office, he emphasized that the purpose of downstream sector deregulation under President Bola Tinubu is to foster business growth, strengthen the sector, and broaden national oil prosperity.

He emphasized that the success of regulatory agencies should be measured by how many businesses they enable, not merely by the number of regulations they enforce, stressing that a thriving economy depends on active, compliant enterprises.

Lokpobiri also highlighted the need to tackle pressing issues promptly, beginning with the recurring tanker explosions, which he noted have significantly decreased.

He also assured that the ministry will continue working closely with the NMDPRA to guarantee uninterrupted petrol supply across the country, noting that under the #RenewedHope Administration, no licence application stays on his desk for more than 24 hours without action.

The minister praised the new ACE and encouraged him to give his best as the nation’s energy landscape undergoes transformation.

“Regulatory agencies will ultimately be judged by the number of businesses they enable, not by the number of regulations they implement, because the sustainability of our economy lies in more vibrant, compliant businesses.

“The very essence of downstream sector deregulation by President Bola Tinubu is to allow businesses to thrive, strengthen the sector, and expand our national oil prosperity. In my remarks, I emphasised the major concerns that must be addressed swiftly, beginning with the need to stop the recurring tanker explosions, an issue that, to a large extent, has already been curtailed.

“I also noted that the ministry continues to work collaboratively with the NMDPRA to ensure an uninterrupted petrol supply nationwide. Under the #RenewedHope Administration, no licence application remains beyond 24 hours on my desk without attention,” he said.