- The committee investigating the import of substandard petroleum products into Nigeria and the resurgence of fuel queues has been dissolved
- The spokesperson for the House, Akin Rotimi, said the decision to dissolve the committee was driven by negative media attention
- He revealed that the lower legislative chamber intends to form new committees with proven competence, and unquestionable integrity
The House of Representatives leadership has dissolved the ad-hoc committee investigating both the import of substandard petroleum products into Nigeria and the resurgence of fuel queues.
Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson for the House, announced to lawmakers on Monday, August 5, that the decision to dissolve the committee was driven by 'broad negative media attention.'
Dissolution was due to widespread negative broadcast
Rotimi said, “In light of the controversies and widespread negative media coverage, the Leadership of the House of Representatives has resolved to dissolve the ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee, which was tasked with investigating allegations of the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and broader threats to Nigeria’s energy security,” the notice reads.”
New committee to be formed
He revealed that the lower legislative chamber intends to constitute a new committee that will include members with 'industry knowledge, proven competence, and unquestionable integrity
The statement read, “To prevent undue exposure of the House’s image and that of the Joint Committee, the Leadership will form a new ad-hoc committee,”
“The chairpersons and deputies of the respective oil and gas committees will be included in the membership of this new ad-hoc committee,”
“The House is firmly committed to thoroughly investigating the issues raised, determining the facts, and advancing Nigeria’s interests,”
“The formation of the new ad-hoc committee highlights the dedication of the House to effectively address these critical concerns and uphold the highest standards of parliamentary oversight.”
Earlier, Dangote accused NMDPRA
Recall that on June 23, Devakumar Edwin, the Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of carelessly granting licenses for importing contaminated diesel and aviation fuel.
Reacting to the allegations, Ahmed Farouk, CEO of NMDPRA, argued that Dangote fuel had a significantly higher sulfur content.
NMDPRA reacted, alleging that Dangote’s fuel is inferior
He added that the refinery, which has been supplying diesel and aviation fuel in Nigeria for several months, has not yet received its license and remains in the pre-commissioning phase.
He also said, “We cannot rely heavily on one refinery to feed the nation, because Dangote is requesting that we should suspend or stop importation of all petroleum products, especially AGO and direct all marketers to the refinery, that is not good for the nation in terms of energy security. And that is not good for the market, because of monopoly,” Farouk stated,”
“Dangote refinery and some modular refineries, like Waltersmith refinery and Aradel refinery, they are producing between 650 to 1,200ppm. So, in terms of quality, their product is much more inferior to the imported quality,” Farouk added.
Dangote challenged NMDPRA to reveal his laboratory
Reacting to this, Dangote said “We produce the best diesel in Nigeria. It is disheartening that instead of safeguarding the market, the regulator is undermining it. Our doors are open for the regulator to conduct tests on our products anytime; transparency is paramount to us. It would be beneficial for the regulator to showcase its laboratory to the world so Nigerians can compare. Our interest is Nigeria first because if Nigeria doesn’t grow, we have limited capacity for growth.”
Nigerians react to the bill proposing a single 6-year term for president, governors
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported that the House of Representatives has passed a bill seeking to provide a six-year single term for president and governors through first reading.
Nigerians have reacted to the news. While some condemn the bill, others believe the lawmakers should focus on other important issues.