By The House of Representatives Joint Committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream and Midstream) has moved to resolve the lingering dispute between the Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), summoning the parties and directing an immediate cessation of public hostilities.
The joint committees, chaired by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and Hon. Henry Okogie, took the decision after an emergency meeting held in Abuja, following concerns over renewed tension in the downstream petroleum sector.
Speaking after the meeting, Ugochinyere said the lawmakers were compelled to intervene to prevent further escalation, especially at a time when efforts are ongoing to stabilise fuel supply, pricing and regulation in the post-subsidy era.
According to him, the committees resolved to invite the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and the leadership of the NMDPRA to appear before them to explain the issues behind the allegations and counter-allegations that have generated public controversy.
“The growing tension in the sector, arising from concerns raised by Alhaji Aliko Dangote against the NMDPRA, informed our emergency meeting,” Ugochinyere said, noting that the House is keen to protect the fragile stability already achieved in the downstream segment.
He explained that the committees would only be able to propose lasting solutions after gaining a clear understanding of the underlying issues driving the dispute.
In a bid to calm frayed nerves, the lawmakers also appealed to both parties to suspend media engagements and public exchanges while the legislative intervention is ongoing.
“We have pleaded with the parties to cease further media comments so the situation does not escalate while the committee carries out its work,” he said.
Ugochinyere disclosed that the committees have received petitions touching on critical industry matters, including the issuance of import licences and questions surrounding the capacity of local refineries to meet Nigeria’s daily petroleum requirements.
He assured that all outstanding issues would be thoroughly examined when key stakeholders in the refining and regulatory space appear before the committees, adding that the investigation would be swift and its outcome made public within days.
The lawmaker stressed that the resolutions announced reflected a unanimous decision of committee members after closed-door deliberations.
The intervention comes amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry, as expectations remain high over local refining capacity, regulatory clarity and sustained stability in fuel supply.
