Nigeria’s House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Downstream is questioning the logic behind reported plans to sell off the country’s refineries, despite billions already spent on their rehabilitation.

At a press briefing in Abuja, Committee Chairman Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere expressed deep concern over the alleged proposal to privatize the facilities, warning that such a move could undermine years of public investment.

“You don’t pour billions into reviving national assets only to turn around and sell them. That doesn’t add up, and Nigerians deserve answers,” he said.

While addressing refinery concerns, Ugochinyere also announced that the committee had dismissed petitions calling for the removal of the NMDPRA Chief Executive, Mr. Farouk Ahmed. He said the authority had made significant strides under Ahmed’s leadership, and the committee found no merit in the calls for his sack.

“We’ve reviewed his performance, and it’s clear he’s steering the agency in the right direction,” he added.

The committee also pledged to investigate the persistent delays in refinery turnaround projects and ensure that the sector delivers real results. Ugochinyere further noted growing complaints from modular refinery operators who are struggling to access crude oil for their operations.

He said the committee would work on a clear legislative framework to address the bottlenecks, improve access to resources, and promote energy stability.

To strengthen stakeholder engagement, Ugochinyere revealed plans to introduce an annual Downstream Petroleum Week, aimed at fostering open dialogue between regulators, lawmakers, investors, and operators in the sector.

With the NMDPRA tasked with overseeing midstream and downstream petroleum operations, the House Committee says it remains committed to transparency, accountability, and ensuring that Nigeria’s oil sector works for the people, not against them.