By The House of Representatives has initiated a forensic investigation into the alleged production and importation of substandard or adulterated petroleum products and the lack of crude oil supply to Dangote and other domestic refineries.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, emphasized the critical need for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) to ensure that all imported petrol undergoes rigorous laboratory testing to meet standard sulphur and octane levels.
Kalu urged the committee to prioritize the interests of Nigerians suffering from the consequences of substandard petrol, which has led to significant socio-economic losses and vehicle engine damage nationwide.
“It is unacceptable that the petrol imported into the country contains high sulphur levels, is leaded, and has low octane levels,” Kalu stated. “This has led to widespread engine damage and national economic losses. Maintaining high octane levels is crucial for both energy regulation and environmental protection.”
Abbas also highlighted the need for improved infrastructure to support quality assurance and robust testing of petroleum products. He called for an investigation into the quality and number of laboratories used by NMDPRA and SON, ensuring adherence to standard manual sampling practices.
Lead Chairman of the Joint Committee on Petroleum Midstream and Downstream, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, outlined the committee’s mandate to investigate fuel queues, high PMS costs, fuel stock shortages, distribution disruptions, unfair subsidization, and racketeering in the Pro Forma Invoice System.
“Our investigation will proceed in phases, beginning with the alleged production and importation of substandard petroleum products and the non-availability of crude oil to domestic refineries,” Ugochinyere explained. “We will focus initially on current issues involving Dangote Refinery and complaints about crude oil supply to domestic refineries.”
Ugochinyere stressed that this forensic legislative investigation aims to restore trust and ensure the quality and security of Nigeria’s petroleum sector, aligning with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are committed to transparency, thoroughness, and accountability throughout this process to identify and resolve the underlying issues plaguing Nigeria’s petroleum sector,” he concluded.
