The House of Representatives on Thursday called on the Federal Government to instruct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to allow independent marketers to begin lifting fuel from the newly established refinery.
This decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, presented by Oboku Oforji, the representative for Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State.
Oforji, while leading the debate, pointed out that despite the Dangote Petroleum Refinery starting operations on September 15, 2024, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, only major marketers have been granted access to lift products from the refinery by NNPCL.
He expressed concern, stating, “The House is troubled that NNPCL and major marketers are exclusive off-takers, which fosters monopoly and equates to greed.
This is the same NNPCL that has mismanaged our crude and refineries for decades. If this monopoly is not curbed, Nigerians will continue to suffer from fuel scarcity, with dire consequences for the economy.”
Referencing a well-known video of the late MKO Abiola, Oforji further criticized NNPCL, accusing it of lacking transparency and accountability.
The House is also concerned that excluding independent marketers from lifting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the refinery could lead to independent marketers importing fuel to stay in business. While commending Dangote Group for beginning petroleum refining, Oforji acknowledged this as a significant step toward Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency.
He added that this development would help Nigeria meet growing fuel demand, save on foreign exchange, and boost foreign capital investment, while also increasing the country’s Gross Domestic Product through value addition and export of refined products.
The House emphasized the need for NNPCL to grant independent marketers access to lift PMS from the Dangote refinery, given the struggles many Nigerians face in securing fuel.
Oforji warned that failing to address the monopoly could worsen the fuel scarcity crisis, with negative repercussions for the economy. To address these issues, the House called on Dangote Refinery’s management to establish, acquire, or partner with stakeholders to create tank farms or depots across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, improving fuel distribution.
Additionally, Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, inaugurated a panel, chaired by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, to work alongside the Senate in investigating the challenges facing the petroleum sector and proposing solutions.
Other committee members include Kelechi Nwogu (PDP, Rivers), Patrick Umoh (APC, Akwa Ibom), and Sada Soli (APC, Katsina), among others.
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