The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and the Dangote Refinery to permit independent marketers to begin lifting fuel from the newly operational Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
This resolution was reached following a motion of urgent public importance presented on Thursday by Hon. Oboku Oforji, who represents Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State.
Oforji, leading the debate, emphasized that despite the commencement of operations at the 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery on September 15, 2024, access to lift fuel has been restricted solely to major marketers under the supervision of the NNPCL.
He expressed concerns over this arrangement, noting that it could lead to monopolistic control in the sector.
According to Oforji, “The House is worried that NNPCL and the major marketers, acting as exclusive off-takers, risk creating a monopoly which is tantamount to greed. This is the same NNPCL that has mismanaged our crude and refineries for decades.”
He further warned that if independent marketers are not allowed access, the scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Nigeria would persist, with significant negative consequences for the economy.
“No wonder the late MKO Abiola of blessed memory, in a viral video years ago, lamented the lack of transparency and accountability within the NNPCL,” he added.
Oforji cited concerns from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), which has hinted at the possibility of resorting to fuel imports to sustain their businesses if the current monopoly continues. He urged the government to address this issue to prevent further economic hardship on Nigerians.
On a positive note, the lawmaker commended the Dangote Group for achieving the milestone of petroleum refining within Nigeria, suggesting that the country may now be on the path to energy self-sufficiency.
“With this achievement, Nigeria is driving towards energy independence, significant cost savings, and increased foreign direct investment. This will also result in greater foreign exchange earnings through the export of refined products,” he said.
However, Oforji reiterated that given the high demand for PMS across Nigeria and the difficulties citizens face in accessing fuel, NNPCL must allow independent marketers to lift products from the Dangote Refinery. “If this monopoly is not nipped in the bud, the suffering caused by the scarcity of PMS will only continue, with dire consequences for the Nigerian economy,” he cautioned.
In a related move, the House of Representatives urged the Dangote Refinery management to invest in or partner with stakeholders to establish tank farms and depots across the country’s geo-political zones to enhance petroleum distribution.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, has inaugurated a panel to address the broader issues facing Nigeria’s petroleum sector. The panel, led by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, will work alongside a Senate committee to investigate the ongoing challenges in the industry and offer solutions. Other members of the committee include Hon. Kelechi Nwogu (PDP, Rivers), Hon. Patrick Umoh (APC, Akwa Ibom), and Hon. Sada Soli (APC, Katsina), among others.
