Energy consumer advocate Abdulrahman Sani Ibrahim has accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority of failing to take decisive action against marketers allegedly importing adulterated petrol into Nigeria.

Ibrahim made the allegation in a statement on Friday, claiming that blended petroleum products from Dubai and other countries were entering the Nigerian market and posing risks to consumers and the wider economy.

He said the continued circulation of poor-quality fuel could damage vehicles and machinery, increase operating costs and further strain Nigerians already facing high energy and transportation expenses.

Ibrahim called on the NMDPRA to strengthen the inspection and testing of imported petroleum products at ports, depots and retail outlets.

“This is no longer a matter that can be treated with regulatory caution or empty threats,” he said, alleging that the regulator was aware of concerns over the importation of blended products but had failed to stop the practice.

He added that allowing the alleged imports to continue would amount to a failure by the regulator to protect consumers.

The claims come amid an ongoing dispute over petrol imports. Dangote Refinery has previously criticised the NMDPRA’s issuance of import licences to marketers, linking the policy to continued fuel imports.

The refinery has also threatened to stop supplying petroleum products to importers, escalating the debate over fuel imports and domestic refining in Nigeria.