Mohammed Shosanya
The Federal House of Representatives on Thursday urged the Federal Government to instruct the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and the Dangote Refinery to permit independent marketers to begin lifting fuel from the newly established refinery.
This is to enhance fuel distribution and ensuring a more competitive market,the lawmakers said.
The resolution of the House follows the adopted of a motion of urgent public importance, sponsored by Hon. Oboku Oforji, who represents the Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State.
Leading the debate, Oforji mentioned that despite the commencement of operations at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery few weeks ago,with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, only major marketers have been granted access by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to lift products from the refinery.
He said:”The House has expressed concern that the NNPC Limited (NNPCL) and major marketers, acting as exclusive off-takers, risk creating a monopoly, one that breeds greed. This is the same NNPCL that has been unable to effectively manage our crude oil resources and refineries for decades.
“If this monopoly is not addressed promptly, Nigerians will continue to suffer from the recurring scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with far-reaching consequences for the economy.”
“It is no surprise that the late MKO Abiola, of blessed memory, once lamented the lack of transparency and accountability within the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), as seen in a viral video some years ago.
The House of Representatives has expressed concern over the NNPCL’s policy of allowing only its own officials and major marketers to lift Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from refineries, while independent marketers are excluded from this process.
According to the lawmaker, representatives of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) have voiced fears that if this situation persists, they may be left with no choice but to import fuel independently to sustain their operations.”
The lawmaker commended Dangote Group, the parent company, for the successful commencement of its petroleum refining operations.
He also He emphasized that this milestone marks a significant step towards Nigeria’s journey to achieving energy self-sufficiency.
“The House acknowledges that with this achievement, Nigeria is on the path to energy independence, resulting in substantial cost savings and reduced reliance on foreign exchange. This will not only meet the growing demand for fuel but also attract foreign investments. The export of refined products will generate foreign exchange, conserve reserves, and add significant value to the economy, ultimately contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” the lawmaker noted.
“The House further note that given the high demand by millions of Nigerians for PMS, and the ordeal they go through to get it, NNPCL should allow independent marketers to lift the product from the Dangote refinery,” he added.
If the prevailing monopoly is not nipped in the bud, Oforji noted that the suffering of Nigerians occasioned by the scarcity of PMS will continue with disastrous consequences for the and we all know the implication economy,” he noted.
The House urged the management of Dangote Refinery to build, acquire or partner with stakeholders to get Tank Farms or depots across the geo-political zones in the country, to enhance petroleum availability to the people.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has inaugurated a special panel, chaired by the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, to work alongside a joint Senate committee in addressing the ongoing crisis in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
The committee is tasked with investigating the challenges affecting the sector and providing actionable recommendations for resolving the issues.
