NMDPRA LAUNCHES REVISION II OF THE GAS TRANSPORTATION NETWORK CODE. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has launched the Nigerian Gas Transportation Network Code (NGTNC) Revision 2. The Authority Chief Executive (ACE), Mallam Rabiu Abdullahi Umar, performed the launch at the opening of OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week 2026 in Lagos. In his address, the ACE described the Network Code as a critical framework for ensuring transparent, non-discriminatory access to Nigeria’s gas transportation infrastructure. He noted that the Code establishes clear rules for capacity booking, gas nominations, balancing, measurement and quality, providing greater predictability for shippers, investors and other industry participants. He highlighted the importance of an efficient gas transportation framework and stronger regional regulatory collaboration in advancing energy security, investment and economic prosperity across Africa. He explained that Revision 2 builds on the initial framework introduced in 2020 and the first revision in 2024, strengthening the rules governing gas transportation while supporting the development of a more integrated and efficient gas market. Mallam Umar further emphasised that Nigeria’s substantial gas resources present significant opportunities for industrial growth, power generation, job creation and regional trade. However, he stressed that unlocking these opportunities requires investment in transportation infrastructure, processing facilities, storage and product logistics, alongside effective regulation. The ACE also participated in a panel discussion themed “Regulatory Convergence in African Oil and Gas Markets,” alongside Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority, and Mr. Musa Njie, Director of Water, Petroleum and Electricity at The Gambia’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. The discussion provided an opportunity to examine the role of regulatory cooperation in improving market efficiency, attracting investment and developing integrated energy markets across the continent. Addressing the broader African energy landscape, the ACE called for greater regulatory convergence among African countries to facilitate cross-border energy trade, harmonise standards and strengthen regional energy security. He stressed that such convergence should promote cooperation without undermining individual countries’ responsibility to secure energy supplies for their citizens. Mallam Umar reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to transparent regulation, efficient implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 and sustained engagement with industry stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s midstream and downstream petroleum sectors. He called on refiners, marketers, logistics operators, financiers and other industry stakeholders to partner with the Authority in building a resilient energy sector that supports domestic supply, encourages investment and contributes to Africa’s long-term prosperity.