The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has warned refineries, depot owners, and other players in the downstream and midstream sectors against poor waste management.

This information was contained in an April 3, 2025, memo with Ref no: NMDPRA/HQ/HSEC.02/2025/181, sent to all midstream and downstream waste management service providers and licensees.

The memo, signed by Mustapha Lamorde on behalf of the NMDPRA Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, called for the need to address waste management.

“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 stated that the midstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria are significant contributors to economic growth and energy supply.

However, it was said that these sectors also generate waste, including liquid waste, solid waste, 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.

Consequently, the agency said it has approved key Strategic Waste Management Initiatives geared towards maintaining balance in the environmental ecosystem and reinforcing our “cradle to grave philosophy” to mitigate these impacts.

Operators in the sector were charged to conduct comprehensive waste audits to systematically assess and identify the types and quantities of waste generated at various stages of our operations.

They are to implement segregation practices to prevent cross-contamination and ensure safe storage prior to final treatment in an NMDPRA-approved facility.

To minimise waste, the regulator urged licensees to adopt strategies such as optimising processes, reducing chemical usage, and implementing efficient technologies like adopting innovative approaches to wastewater management techniques.

Similarly, 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.

While calling for strict adherence to the NMDPRA regulations governing waste management, the agency said there must be robust monitoring systems to track waste management practices, and their effectiveness, which must include effective 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.