The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has called on investors to take advantage of the untapped energy investment opportunities in Nigeria’s northern region.

Executive Director, Economic Regulation and Strategic Planning (ERSP) at NMDPRA, Prof. Zainab Gobir, said the northern region holds significant potential crucial to Nigeria’s overall energy growth and economic balance, given its large population and increasing energy demand.

Speaking at the OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week 2025, which concluded over the weekend in Lagos, Gobir urged oil and gas investors to diversify their operations beyond the South-South and South-West regions.

She emphasized the need for companies to rethink their business models and explore all geopolitical zones to ensure equitable participation and sustainable energy access across the country.

“The numbers exist across all regions, not just in the South. Population and available volumes in other regions matter, and companies must model their operations around this reality to optimize margins and logistics,” she said.

Gobir revealed that the NMDPRA is leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to promote transparency, efficiency, and investor engagement in Nigeria’s midstream and downstream sectors.

“We are deploying AI for data collection and integrating it into our operations. By gathering feedback from Nigerians, we can identify bottlenecks and improve regulatory performance. Soon, consumers will be able to access real-time pricing data and choose their preferred retail outlets,” she explained.

According to her, the Authority has automated key regulatory processes to enhance operational efficiency, compliance monitoring, and customer experience. Most of NMDPRA’s licensing and qualification procedures are now fully digitized, with customer platforms available for easier access.

“Through predictive and regression analysis, we can now understand the peculiarities of each oil and gas segment and respond proactively,” she added.

Gobir also disclosed that the NMDPRA is developing a comprehensive national data bank to provide operators with real-time market information and business intelligence.

“Our goal is to make data accessible. We are creating a platform where operators can track market trends and make informed business decisions. In addition, our automated investment portal allows prospective investors to register and participate in monthly roundtables to explore new opportunities in the sector,” she noted.

To strengthen consumer protection, Gobir said the Authority has also automated its consumer experience platform, enabling the public to report market issues directly and engage with regulators.

On the impact of technology, she described automation as essential to the future of energy regulation.

“Automation is no longer optional. AI is not here to replace people but to enhance monitoring and accountability. It’s a tool to scale the market and drive sustainable growth,” she stated.

Gobir stressed that Nigeria’s downstream market is both data-driven and population-driven, explaining that taxation, logistics, and market reach depend heavily on accurate demographic and operational data.

“Taxation is not just about the amount paid, but also about the volume and reach of operations. Understanding population dynamics helps determine how efficiently products like petrol and gas can be distributed,” she said.

Highlighting the Authority’s evolving role, Gobir noted that the NMDPRA is transitioning from a traditional regulator to a business enabler, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through technology and data access.

“We are helping MSMEs connect with customers. For example, in the LPG sector, when operators provide their data, consumers can locate the nearest LPG depot through our portal—enhancing visibility, compliance, and business growth,” she concluded.