Reps Step Into Dangote-NMDPRA Dispute, Call For Ceasefire

The House of Representatives’ Joint Committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream and Midstream) have intervened in a growing dispute between the Dangote Group and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, summoning both parties to appear before the committees for resolution.

The Committees at an emergency meeting in Abuja chaired by Ikenga Ugochinyere and Henry Okojie also ordered a suspension of all media hostilities while the investigation is ongoing.

They cited concerns that the tension could undermine stability in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

“The committees were compelled to act swiftly to prevent further escalation, especially as government and industry stakeholders work to stabilize supply, pricing, and regulation in the post-subsidy era,” Ugochinyere said.

“This is coming at a time when the committee is jealously guarding the stability that has been achieved in the sector.”

Ugochinyere said that the committees would formally invite the Dangote Group’s President, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and NMDPRA leadership to provide detailed explanations regarding the allegations and counter-allegations fueling the dispute.

“This investigation will help identify the critical issues leading to this tension and allow the National Assembly to broker lasting solutions,”
Ugochinyere said.

The committees also said they had received petitions on key industry issues, including the issuance of import licenses and whether domestic refineries can meet Nigeria’s daily petroleum demand.

Ugochinyere stressed that all outstanding matters would be thoroughly examined during the hearings.

Reiterating the committee’s appeal, the chairman urged all parties to suspend further accusations while the House works to resolve the dispute for national interest.

“We are pleading with them to cease further attacks on each other,whether from the regulatory agency or the refining community, while the committee sorts out these issues,” he said.

Ugochinyere said the decisions announced reflected the unanimous outcome of the committee’s closed-door deliberations, a position he said was affirmed by his colleagues.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji