House committee urges urgent legislative action to resolve Dangote refinery dispute with NMDPRA, citing risks to energy security and investor confidence
The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream) has urged swift legislative intervention in the ongoing dispute between the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Dangote Refinery, warning that a protracted standoff could trigger an energy crisis capable of crippling Nigeria’s economy.
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The call was made at a workshop in Abuja themed “Midstream sector overview and strategic future chart for seamless processing.”
Committee Chairman Odianosen Okojie highlighted the strategic importance of the midstream sub-sector to the oil and gas value chain, stressing that efficient processing, transportation, and storage infrastructure are crucial for energy security, industrial growth, and economic diversification.
“There is an urgent need for legislative intervention in the ongoing dispute between the NMDPRA and the Dangote Refinery,” Mr Okojie said.
“The disagreement poses serious implications for sector stability, investor confidence, and Nigeria’s energy security. Unresolved regulatory conflicts could undermine efforts to reposition the petroleum industry for growth.”
Mr Okojie reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to robust legislative oversight, policy support, and stakeholder engagement aimed at removing operational bottlenecks and unlocking investment.
He called on members to play a mediatory role to ensure regulatory clarity, fairness, and sustainable resolution in the national interest.
The workshop featured technical sessions led by industry experts, who provided overviews of the midstream sector, identified emerging challenges, and proposed strategies for seamless operations.
Participants engaged in discussions on regulatory gaps, infrastructure deficits, gas utilisation, and private sector participation.
The dispute has been public in recent months following allegations by Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote that the NMDPRA frustrated operations at his $20 billion Lekki refinery through regulatory inconsistencies and unfair practices.
Mr Dangote accused NMDPRA Managing Director Farouk Ahmed of corruption, alleging bias in favour of fuel importation interests.
The NMDPRA has denied the allegations, asserting that all regulatory decisions comply with the Petroleum Industry Act and industry safety and quality standards, aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring product integrity.
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Stakeholders at the workshop expressed optimism that the Committee’s proactive stance would result in stronger policies, decisive legislative actions, and increased efficiency in the petroleum midstream sector, positioning it as a key driver of national economic growth.
