HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TELLS PARTIES IN ONGOING PETROLEUM SECTOR DISPUTES TO CEASE-FIRE AS PROBE COMMENCES

The House of Representatives on Monday called on all parties involved in the ongoing disputes in the petroleum sector to cease fire pending the outcome of its investigations.

The House at the plenary on July 9 constituted a Joint Petroleum Committees on Midstream and Downstream sectors to conduct a forensic investigation towards addressing the pressing issues within Nigeria’s energy sector following the faceoff between the NMDPRA and Dnagote refinery.

Delivering his keynote address at its inaugural meeting on Monday, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas said that the resurgence of fuel queues at petrol stations, increasing cost of Premium Motor Spirit and the unavailability of crude oil feedstock for our downstream domestic refineries are of particular concern.

Represented by his Deputy, Benjamin Kalu, he said that the quality of petroleum products imported into Nigeria has come under scrutiny, and relevant stakeholders must ensure compliance with global standards.

Earlier in his remarks, Ugochinyere called on all stakeholders to provide comprehensive support, including essential information and documentation.

The investigation which will proceed in phases, started with the allegations against Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) regarding the quality of produce and imported products, as well as the complaints by refining companies about the non-availability of crude oil supply to domestic refineries.

Image credit: HouseNGR