The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to instruct the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery to permit independent marketers to begin lifting fuel from the newly operational refinery.
This resolution emerged following the adoption of an urgent motion sponsored by Oboku Oforji, the representative for Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State.
During the debate, Oforji highlighted that since the Dangote Refinery commenced operations on September 15, 2024, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, access to lift products has been restricted to only major marketers by NNPCL.
He stated, “The House is concerned that NNPCL and the major marketers are acting as exclusive off-takers, creating a monopoly that reflects greed. This is the same NNPCL that has struggled to manage our crude and refineries for decades.”
Oforji emphasized that if this monopoly is not addressed, the ongoing fuel scarcity impacting Nigerians will persist, adversely affecting the economy. He referenced a past statement by the late MKO Abiola, noting that NNPCL has a reputation for a lack of transparency and accountability.
He further expressed concern that representatives from the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) fear they may have to resort to fuel imports to sustain their businesses.
### Legislative Response
Commending the Dangote Group for initiating petroleum refining, Oforji remarked that this development signals a step toward Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency. He underscored that the refinery could lead to cost savings, attract foreign investment, and potentially increase Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product through the generation of foreign exchange from exports.
The House also acknowledged the pressing demand for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) among Nigerians and the difficulties they face in accessing it. Oforji urged NNPCL to allow independent marketers to lift products from the Dangote refinery to alleviate these challenges.
In response to the situation, the House called on the management of Dangote Refinery to collaborate with stakeholders to establish tank farms or depots across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, thereby improving fuel availability for the populace.
In addition, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has inaugurated a committee led by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere to investigate the ongoing challenges in the petroleum sector and propose solutions. Other committee members include Kelechi Nwogu (PDP, Rivers), Patrick Umoh (APC, Akwa Ibom), and Sada Soli (APC, Katsina).
