The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the $18 billion turnaround maintenance (TAM) of Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries. The move comes amid growing public outrage over the persistent failure of the facilities to operate optimally despite years of massive financial investment.
Chairman of the Committee, Ikenga Ugochinyere (PDP, Imo), made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja, expressing concern over the recent reported shutdown of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries—barely weeks after they resumed production. He questioned why the refineries remain largely dysfunctional despite being maintained by a reputable company with a track record of delivering quality service internationally.
Ugochinyere disclosed that multiple technical sub-committees have been set up to fast-track pending investigations and address critical issues threatening the downstream sector’s sustainability.
“These technical sub-committees shall work towards fast-tracking investigations of pending referrals to the committee, address crucial matters and developments that threaten sustainability in the downstream sector, and make the sector stronger and more viable,” he said.
The key areas under investigation include:
Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) of refineries and their current operational status
Alleged plans by Dangote Refinery to monopolize petroleum products’ transportation and retailing
Challenges faced by modular refineries, especially lack of access to crude oil feedstock
The controversial OVH acquisition and related complaints from NNPC Retail staff
Review of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to strengthen the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)
Incorporation of artisanal refiners into Nigeria’s official petroleum refining value chain
Ugochinyere hinted that the House may soon push for amendments to the PIA to address emerging industry challenges, particularly in the downstream and regulatory sectors.
“We intend to collate all necessary areas of amendment for approval by the House to strengthen NMDPRA and ensure transparency in the downstream petroleum sector,” he said.
The Committee, however, dismissed a petition calling for the dissolution of NMDPRA, noting that the PIA vests the appointing authority in the President. Ugochinyere stressed that while the House will not protect corrupt officials, due process will be followed, and arbitrary dismissals will not be tolerated.
The Committee Chair assured Nigerians that the 10th House will resist any attempt to create a monopoly in the oil and gas sector, emphasizing the need for fair competition.
“We will work against any attempt at creating a monopoly in the nation’s oil and gas industry, in the interest of all Nigerians,” he added.
The sub-committees are expected to submit their findings in the coming weeks, paving the way for broader legislative reforms to reposition Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.