House of Representatives
The House of Representatives has decided to dissolve the current ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee that was investigating the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the unavailability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and other critical energy security concerns.
During the committee’s inauguration the previous Monday, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, speaking on behalf of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, expressed alarm over the reappearance of fuel queues at petrol stations, the rising cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and the lack of crude oil feedstock for local refineries.
Kalu emphasized that the investigation would also cover other related issues affecting the energy sector, stressing the importance of adhering to global standards for the quality of petroleum products imported into Nigeria. He pointed out the need for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to ensure that all imported petrol undergoes rigorous laboratory testing to meet standard sulfur and octane levels. “It is unacceptable that the petrol imported into the country contains high sulfur levels, lead, and has low octane levels. This has previously led to socio-economic losses, including damage to vehicle engines,” Kalu stated.
He tasked the committee with investigating the quality and number of laboratories used by NMDPRA and SON for their tests, demanding actionable feedback.
Since the probe began, the House has been embroiled in controversies, with lawmakers divided into factions. The ad-hoc committee, led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Ikenga Ugochinyere, had called for the dismissal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Mele Kyari. Meanwhile, another group of 50 lawmakers, led by Billy Osawaru from Edo State, opposed this call, arguing that it was against parliamentary norms to demand Kyari’s removal amid an ongoing investigation.
However, in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, House Spokesperson Rotimi Akin announced that the ad-hoc committee had been dissolved and would be replaced by a new one.
“The Leadership of the House of Representatives has resolved to dissolve the current ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee. Initially tasked with investigating the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and other critical energy security issues, this committee will be succeeded by a newly constituted ad-hoc committee with the same mandate,” Akin stated.
He further added, “To ensure the efficacy and independence of this investigation, the new committee will consist of honourable members selected for their expertise, competence, and integrity. The House remains committed to addressing these vital issues and ensuring thorough oversight. Further details on the new committee’s operations will be provided in due course.”
[logo-slider]
