The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) on Wednesday said the industry is streamlined to meet the 60 per cent lubricant supply gap in the country by encouraging producers to invest.

Local content currently meets only 40 per cent of the market need, while the balance is from importation.

Consequently, NMDPRA yesterday held a workshop in Abuja on the requirements for lubricant importation.

Participants attended from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Customs Service, and Lubricants Producers Association of Nigeria (LUPAN).

Speaking the Authority Chief Executive, Engr. Farouk Ahmed said although President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has insisted on the stimulation of local production, there is the need to encourage those who have already invested in the business to move forward.

Emphasising bridging the gap, Executive Director, Hydrocarbon Processing Plants, Installations and Transportation Infrastructure, Dr. Francis Ogare, who represented him, said, “That is to go back to what the President said. And for us to do that is to streamline, to meet the shortfalls, like he said, 30-40%. But if people are encouraged to produce, and they know that we can streamline the 60% that is coming, they are now going to be compelled to come and invest.”

He bemoaned the adulteration of lubricants, noting that such products from importers are harmful to the vehicles and the economy.

According to him, the unhealthy practice discourages investment in the industry from growing.

He said, “But people are bringing in adulterated products, and like in the speech, it’s damaging to us, not even to your vehicles, but to our economy. It is not helping the people who have set up industry to gain momentum.”

At the workshop for the requirements for lubricant importation, Ahmed said it is not just another meeting; it is a vital platform for dialogue, learning, and alignment.

He said it is designed to take a significant step toward building a more transparent, efficient, and quality-driven lubricant importation process—one that reflects the shared vision of a more resilient and self-sufficient petroleum industry in Nigeria.

 He said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 mandates the NMDPRA to ensure that all petroleum products, including lubricants, meet strict quality and safety standards.

Ahmed further noted that “We take this responsibility seriously as poor-quality lubricants do more than damage engines—they damage trust, hurt productivity, and create unnecessary economic waste.

“That is why today’s workshop focuses on the rollout of the Lubricant Importation Module on the Lube Oil Blending Plant (LOBP) Portal—a tool designed to simplify the application, approval, and monitoring process for lubricant imports. This digital platform is integrated with the Nigeria Customs Service BÓdugwu platform, ensuring seamless import clearance, real-time data tracking, and improved compliance enforcement.”

The NMDPRA boss said the platform means faster approvals, better transparency, and clearer expectations for the importers.

On the other hand, he said for the local producers, the enhanced oversight will help identify products that can and should be produced locally giving their businesses more room to grow in a level playing field.

He said for all industry players, it means improved accountability and shared responsibility for upholding the integrity of the Nigerian market.

Ahmed stressed the fact that the platform was not designed to restrict trade but to strengthen the industry.

His words: “Let me be clear—this initiative is not designed to restrict trade. Rather, it is meant to strengthen our industry, ensure only high-quality products circulate in the market, and align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s industrialisation agenda to reduce over-reliance on imports and promote local capacity.”

LUPAN, Chairman Alhaji Mustapha Mohammed, sought NMDPRA support to expand to 70% of its capacity. He said presently they are producing 30%.

He complained about the importation of recycled oil into Nigeria and its adverse effects on the domestic economy.

He said there are challenges of electricity and local government multiple taxation.

He revealed that some dealers import substandard spare parts in lubricant packages to deceive the concerned clearing agencies.

He said the members lose as much as N10 billion in the industry, urging the NMDPRA to give a license to only blenders to recreate lost jobs.

Speaking with reporters, the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller -General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who was represented by Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Aliyu Umar said aside from   implementing the fiscal policy of the Federal Government, the service is at the forefront in terms of goods clearance, including lubricants.