By The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Government to require the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery to permit independent marketers to lift premium motor spirit (PMS) from the refinery. This resolution followed a motion of Urgent Public Importance by Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji, highlighting the pressing need for competition in Nigeria’s fuel sector.
Hon. Oforji emphasized that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which commenced operations on September 15, 2024, currently designates NNPCL as its sole off-taker, limiting access for independent marketers. He stated, “We must commend the Dangote Group and congratulate Nigerians as this is no mean feat considering the fact that our country has been battling for decades with refining our crude without success.”
The House acknowledged the pressing demand for PMS among Nigerians, arguing that opening access to independent marketers could lead to more competitive pricing and improved availability. Oforji added, “If this monopoly is not nipped in the bud, suffering of Nigerians occasioned by the scarcity of PMS will continue and we all know the implication on the economy.”
To address these issues, the House urged the Dangote Refinery to establish tank farms across Nigeria and mandated NNPCL to disclose pricing details related to crude oil and PMS sales. The joint Committees on Petroleum Resources (Midstream and Downstream) have been tasked with ensuring compliance, marking a significant step toward enhancing accountability in the sector.
