Cynthia Ezegwu
The House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to comprehensive energy reform, calling on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to overhaul Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector for greater efficiency and sustainability.
This was made known on Monday at the maiden edition of the Downstream Petroleum Week organised by the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, who declared the event open, said the energy sector remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economic transformation, stressing that legislative and policy support were crucial to strengthening the industry.
“Nigeria is at a critical point in its drive for industrialisation. This conference could not have come at a better time. Our duty as legislators is to provide policies and oversight that will strengthen the downstream sector for a more secure, efficient, and resilient economy,” Abbas said.
He urged for actionable reforms to address pipeline vandalism, price instability, energy insecurity, and full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, adding that the success of the downstream sector depends on robust infrastructure, stable regulations, and increased local investment in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) projects.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, lauded the transformation taking place in the sector, citing the Dangote Refinery, Waltersmith Modular Refinery in Imo State, OPAC Refinery in Delta State, and Indorama Petrochemical expansion as examples of ongoing progress.
“Our downstream sector is now more open, efficient, and ready for investment. Nigeria must refine what it produces and consume what it refines,” Ugochinyere stated.
He commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for implementing the Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligation policy, ensuring that local refineries have access to crude before export allocations.
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Ugochinyere also urged labour unions to cooperate with government efforts at reviving the sector, warning that industrial actions could undermine progress.
“No reform can succeed without industrial harmony. While labour issues are inevitable, they must never be allowed to undermine productivity or national stability,” he said.
The lawmaker further emphasised the need for strict adherence to tax, safety, and environmental standards, noting that compliance was both a legal and patriotic responsibility.
The event, which attracted key stakeholders including representatives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Dangote Group, underscored the legislature’s resolve to drive