Reps Dissolve Committee Investigating Adulterated Fuel Import, Others

The House of Representatives has decided to disband the existing ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee that was tasked with examining the importation of contaminated petroleum products, the lack of crude oil for domestic refineries, and various significant energy security challenges.

During the committee’s inauguration earlier, Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, representing Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, voiced concerns regarding the re-emergence of fuel shortages at petrol stations, the rising prices of Premium Motor Spirit, and the scarcity of crude oil necessary for domestic refining operations.

Kalu indicated that the scope of the investigation would also encompass additional related matters affecting the sector, highlighting the importance of adhering to international standards concerning the quality of petroleum products imported into Nigeria.

He underscored the necessity for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, along with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, to ensure that all petrol brought into the country undergoes thorough laboratory testing to comply with established sulfur and octane specifications.

“It is unacceptable that the petrol imported into the country contains high sulfur levels, is lead, and has low octane levels. This has previously led to socio-economic losses, including damage to vehicle engines.

“One critical aspect we must address is the infrastructure for quality assurance that enables robust testing of petroleum products with full adherence to the standard practice for manual sampling,” Kalu said.

Ever since the investigation commenced, the House has been embroiled in controversies, resulting in lawmakers forming different factions and groups.

The temporary committee, under the leadership of the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Ikenga Ugochinyere, had been advocating for the removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Mele Kyari.

Conversely, another group of 50 legislators has expressed support for his continued tenure.

Lawmakers, spearheaded by Billy Osawaru (Edo State), argued that the push for Kyari’s dismissal during an ongoing investigation goes against parliamentary norms.

Nonetheless, in a statement released on Monday in Abuja, the House Spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, disclosed that the ad-hoc committee has been disbanded and a new one will be established.

He said, “The Leadership of the House of Representatives has resolved to dissolve the current ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee.

“Initially tasked with investigating the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and other critical energy security issues, this committee will be succeeded by a newly constituted ad-hoc committee with the same mandate.”

Akin added, “To ensure the efficacy and independence of this investigation, the new committee will consist of honourable members selected for their expertise, competence, and integrity.

“The House remains committed to addressing these vital issues and ensuring thorough oversight. Further details on the new committee’s operations will be provided in due course.”