The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has urged the Federal Government to increase funding for pipeline surveillance and introduce stronger measures to guarantee crude oil supply to domestic refineries.
The committee also expressed support for President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Aliko Dangote, citing developments in local refining, fuel distribution and pipeline security.
Committee chairman, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, made the position known in Abuja on Monday during a technical briefing marking the end of Downstream Week 2026.
He said sustained investment in pipeline protection was necessary to curb crude oil theft, reduce production losses and ensure adequate feedstock for local refineries.
According to the committee, domestic refineries currently account for more than 75 per cent of Nigeria’s petrol supply, while the country has maintained over 25 days of fuel sufficiency without reported supply shortfalls.
The lawmakers also highlighted the commissioning of a petroleum products laboratory in Port Harcourt, the licensing of a petroleum liquid trading exchange and plans to expand the country’s strategic fuel reserves.
The committee said the government intends to increase the reserve capacity to cover 90 days of supply in 2027, building on a framework designed to provide up to 20 days of coverage.
On crude oil production, the lawmakers expressed confidence in Nigeria’s target of three million barrels per day, linking improved output partly to stronger pipeline surveillance and infrastructure security.
Ugochinyere said the committee was pursuing amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act to establish clearer requirements for domestic crude supply, improve market access for local refiners and strengthen regulations governing petroleum product imports.
He maintained that imported fuel should primarily address confirmed domestic supply gaps rather than compete permanently with products from Nigerian refineries.
The committee also rejected a World Bank recommendation on import licences, arguing that Nigeria’s petroleum policies should reflect its domestic economic and industrial priorities.
Ugochinyere described Dangote Refinery as a strategic investment valued at about $20 billion and said the National Assembly would support policies aimed at protecting local refining investments while maintaining fair competition.
The committee further acknowledged the contributions of petroleum marketers, including their investments in depots, jetties, trucks and filling stations, which support the distribution of petroleum products across the country.
Meanwhile, the committee has established two subcommittees to investigate petitions concerning gas distribution licences issued to NIPCO Plc and allegations of money laundering and abuse of office against NNPC Limited’s Executive Vice President, Downstream, Dr Mumuni Dagazau.
The petition against NIPCO seeks an investigation into, and possible suspension or cancellation of, gas distribution licences covering Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun states, as well as the Lagos and Lekki Free Trade Zones. The petitioners have also requested a public hearing.
A subcommittee chaired by Mathew Nwogu, with Shehu Dalhatu as deputy, will conduct a preliminary investigation into the matter.
A separate panel led by Aliyu Ibrahim Al-Mustapha, with Cyril Hart as deputy, will investigate the allegations against Dagazau and submit its findings within seven days.
Ugochinyere stressed that the allegations against both parties had not been established and said those involved would have the opportunity to present their positions.
The committee also disclosed that it had begun examining allegations of underpayment for crude oil by some companies and was seeking explanations from NNPC Limited regarding legacy transactions and refinery rehabilitation.
It said the investigations would continue alongside legislative efforts to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry.
