Reps: We’ll investigate Dangote refinery, NMDPRA, NNPCL rift

The House of Representatives has declared its readiness to investigate the ongoing spat between Dangote Oil Refinery and Petrochemicals and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The investigation would also include the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

The deputy spokesperson of the House, Philip Agbese, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Saturday, July 27, 2024.

The investigation is coming amid the biting fuel crisis across the country and the allegations that the Dangote refinery’s fuel is low in quality.

Agbese said the investigation conformed to the House commitment to protect all national assets and critical economic infrastructure like the Dangote refinery.

“We have been seeing a lot by way of demarketing campaigns to discredit the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and given the negative impact of this, which has caused panic in the country,” the lawmaker said.

This, according to him, has resulted in uncertainties that have led to fuel queue resurfacing, adding that is totally condemnable.

Otedola: Dangote is titan God created for mankind

Agbese stated: “Unfortunately, what we have learnt is that the NNPCL and NMDPRA play major role in these plots to discredit the refinery, which is unacceptable.

“The bigger aspect of our concern is that there are concerns that false narratives are being peddled by certain interests that are bent on importing dirty fuels into the country.

“As a proactive institution, committed to the wellbeing of the nation and Nigerians, the position of the House is to investigate the allegations.”

Agbese said the House would bring closure to the matter so that there would be a direction towards economic stability.

“It is on record that the House had directed the President to sack NMDPRA, so the House will also not hesitate to call for the sack of Mr Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL if need be,” the lawmaker added.

He said the demand for Kyari ‘s removal would occur if there was evidence of an attempt to destroy the Dangote refinery.

Agbese said the leadership of NMDPRA must be sacked, adding that both agencies had confirmed they were interested in destroying the Dangote refinery.

“Many Nigerians have called off the proposed hardship protest, but they want to see Kyari’s sack if that will guarantee that the country will function smoothly,” he added.

The Star