The House of Representatives has dissolved the existing ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee, which was investigating the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the lack of crude oil for domestic refineries, and other energy security issues.
House Spokesman Rep. Akin Rotimi stated that this decision was made during the committee’s inauguration on the Monday before last.
Akin confirmed that the ad-hoc committee has been disbanded and that a new committee will be formed.
He said, “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 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.”
During the meeting, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, speaking on behalf of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, expressed concern about the resurgence of fuel queues at petrol stations, the rising cost of Premium Motor Spirit, and the shortage of crude oil feedstock for domestic refineries.
Kalu highlighted that the investigation would also address other related issues affecting the sector, emphasizing the importance of adhering to global standards for the quality of petroleum products imported into Nigeria.
He stressed that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria must ensure that all imported petrol is rigorously tested in laboratories to meet standard sulfur and octane levels.
“It is unacceptable that the petrol imported into the country contains high sulfur levels, is lead, and has low octane levels. This has previously led to socio-economic losses, including damage to vehicle engines.
“One critical aspect we must address is the infrastructure for quality assurance that enables robust testing of petroleum products with full adherence to the standard practice for manual sampling,” Kalu said.
He tasked the joint committee with examining the quality and number of laboratories used by both the NMDPRA and SON for their tests, and to provide actionable feedback.
The ad-hoc committee, chaired by Ikenga Ugochinyere, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Downstream, had been advocating for the dismissal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Mele Kyari. In contrast, another group of 50 lawmakers has supported his retention.
The lawmakers, led by Billy Osawaru from Edo State, argued that calling for Kyari’s dismissal while an investigation is ongoing contradicts parliamentary norms.