I
Ikenna Ngere
Guest
The House of Representatives has called on 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 operational refinery.
This resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Oboku Oforji, the representative of Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State.
In his address, Oforji pointed out that although the Dangote Refinery started operations on September 15, 2024, with a capacity to refine 650,000 barrels per day, only major marketers had been given the privilege to lift products from the refinery, as arranged by the NNPCL.
He raised concerns that this situation, which favors NNPCL and major marketers as exclusive off-takers, creates a monopoly that could hurt the broader market.
Oforji stated, “The House is worried that NNPCL and the major marketers are exclusive off-takers, which spells monopoly and is equivalent to greed. This is the same NNPCL that has failed to manage our crude and refineries for decades.
“If this monopoly is not nipped in the bud, the suffering of Nigerians caused by the scarcity of PMS will continue, and we all know the implications for the economy.”
He further referenced the late MKO Abiola’s criticism of the NNPCL’s lack of transparency and accountability, echoing those concerns today.
Oforji also warned that the exclusion of independent marketers might push them to rely on fuel imports to sustain their businesses.
“No wonder the late MKO Abiola of blessed memory, in a viral video some years ago, lamented that the NNPCL lacks transparency and accountability.
“The House is disturbed that allowing the NNPCL and major marketers to lift Premium Motor Spirit from the refinery to the exclusion of independent marketers is not good enough.
“IPMAN representatives have expressed fears that they may be forced to resort to fuel imports to sustain their businesses,” Oforji added.
The legislator commended Dangote Group for the commencement of its refinery operations, which he described as a significant step towards Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency.
He emphasized the need for NNPCL to allow independent marketers to lift petrol from the Dangote Refinery to meet the high fuel demand across the country.
He warned that continuing the current monopoly could worsen the fuel scarcity, leading to severe economic consequences.
“The House notes that by this achievement, Nigeria is driving towards energy self-sufficiency, cost and foreign exchange savings, meeting the increasing demand for fuels, and attracting foreign capital investment.
“The generation of foreign exchange through the export of finished products, conservation of foreign exchange, and significant value addition will contribute to an increase in Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
“The House further notes that given the high demand by millions of Nigerians for PMS and the ordeal they go through to obtain it, NNPCL should allow independent marketers to lift the product from the Dangote refinery,” Oforji added.
In a move to ensure wider fuel availability, the House also urged Dangote Refinery to consider building or partnering with stakeholders to establish fuel depots or tank farms across various regions in the country.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has launched a panel, chaired by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, to work jointly with a Senate committee in investigating the ongoing crisis in the petroleum sector and recommending solutions.
Other members of the committee include Kelechi Nwogu (PDP, Rivers), Patrick Umoh (APC, Akwa Ibom), and Sada Soli (APC, Katsina), among others.
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