The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has passed votes of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and industrialist Aliko Dangote, declaring that Nigeria’s drive towards energy security is gaining momentum.
The committee, however, called on the Federal Government to increase funding for pipeline surveillance, enforce domestic crude supply obligations and strengthen legislation to protect local refineries from supply disruptions and unfair competition.
Chairman of the committee, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, announced the votes of confidence on Monday in Abuja at the technical briefing marking the end of Downstream Week 2026.
He said the committee’s assessment of developments in the downstream petroleum sector showed improvements in domestic refining, fuel supply and pipeline security, while stressing the need for sustained government support to consolidate the gains.
Ugochinyere commended the NMDPRA Chief Executive, Rabiu Abdullahi Umar, and the authority’s executive directors for what he described as a job well done, saying the regulator had “brought stability where there was uncertainty”.
According to figures presented at the briefing, domestic refineries now contribute more than 75 per cent of national petrol supply, while the country has recorded no supply shortfalls and maintained more than 25 days of national sufficiency.
The committee also highlighted the commissioning of the Port Harcourt petroleum product laboratory, the licensing of a petroleum liquid trading exchange described as Africa’s first, and the completion of a framework for a National Strategic Stock capable of covering up to 20 days of supply. It said plans were underway to increase the strategic reserve to 90 days in 2027.
On crude oil production, the committee expressed confidence that Nigeria could achieve its target of three million barrels per day, attributing the recent increase in output partly to improved pipeline surveillance and security.
Ugochinyere said better protection of oil infrastructure would reduce crude losses, increase feedstock availability for domestic refineries and boost government revenue.
“Fewer breaches mean less crude lost, more product for our refineries, and more revenue for the Federation,” he said.
The committee urged the Federal Government to increase funding for pipeline surveillance contractors and ensure the timely release of funds and logistics needed to sustain operations.
It commended the contractors for their contributions but maintained that improved funding and operational support would further strengthen crude oil production.
The chairman said the committee was also working on legislation to address the persistent challenge of crude oil availability to domestic refineries.
“A refinery without reliable crude is an investment at risk,” he said, stressing the need for statutory guarantees on crude supply, fair market access and a stable policy environment.
On petroleum product importation, Ugochinyere said imports should only be permitted to address verified supply shortfalls rather than serve as a permanent alternative to domestic refining.
