By Oluwakemi Kindness
The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) on Monday dismissed a petition alleging money laundering and conflict of interest against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Executive Vice President, Downstream, Dr. Mumuni Dangazau, citing insufficient evidence.
The committee’s chairman, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, disclosed this on Monday, following an investigation by a subcommittee into allegations raised by the Coalition for Transparency and Accountability in Nigeria’s Petroleum Sector.
Ugochinyere said the petitioners appeared before the subcommittee on October 21 but failed to provide documentary evidence to substantiate their claims, despite being given additional opportunities to submit relevant documents.
He added that the petitioners failed to return on the two subsequent days to provide the required evidence.
According to him, Dangazau honoured the committee’s invitation through representatives, who responded to questions raised during the investigation.
The chairman said the committee considered the subcommittee’s report and dismissed the petition in its entirety, stressing that allegations against public officials must be backed by credible and verifiable evidence.
He condemned what he described as a frivolous petition, warning against using the National Assembly as a platform for unsubstantiated attacks on public officers.
He, however, assured that the committee remained committed to investigating allegations of wrongdoing where credible evidence is presented.
Beyond the petition, Ugochinyere commended NNPCL’s downstream operations, highlighting investments in alternative-fuel transportation and initiatives aimed at improving petroleum product distribution.
He cited the acquisition of 500 compressed natural gas-powered trucks, the delivery of 35 CNG-powered hybrid buses to the Presidential CNG Initiative and the development of a smart energy station in Abuja as examples of the company’s efforts.
The chairman also acknowledged NNPCL’s revised approach to refinery rehabilitation through technical partnerships, although the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries had yet to resume production as of July 2026.
He stressed the need for sustained investment, accountability and policy consistency to improve fuel availability, affordability and operational efficiency in the downstream petroleum sector.
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to effective oversight of the petroleum industry, pledging to continue scrutinising operators and public institutions to ensure they discharge their responsibilities in the national interest.
