Spread the word
The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has commenced preliminary investigations into two petitions bordering on alleged misconduct and regulatory concerns in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
The petitions include allegations of money laundering and abuse of office against the Executive Vice President, Downstream, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Dr Mumuni Dagazau, as well as a demand for the investigation, suspension and cancellation of gas distribution licences issued to NIPCO Plc in parts of the South-West.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, disclosed this on Monday during the technical briefing marking the conclusion of Downstream Week 2026.
He said the Committee had constituted two separate sub-committees to conduct preliminary investigations into the petitions and submit their findings to the main Committee for consideration and further legislative action.
The first petition seeks an investigation into the circumstances surrounding gas distribution licences issued to NIPCO Plc by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), covering Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun States, as well as the Lagos and Lekki Free Trade Zones.
The petitioners are also calling for the suspension and cancellation of the licences and have requested a public hearing to examine the issues raised in their complaint.
To investigate the petition, the Committee has appointed Hon. Peter Aniekwe as chairman of the sub-committee, with Hon. Shehu Dalhatu serving as deputy chairman.
The sub-committee is expected to conduct a preliminary examination of the issues raised and submit its report to the main Committee for consideration.
The second petition contains allegations of money laundering and abuse of office against Dr Mumuni Dagazau, NNPCL’s Executive Vice President, Downstream.
To examine the allegations, the Committee has constituted a separate sub-committee chaired by Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Al-Mustapha, with Hon. Amobi Ogah serving as deputy chairman.
The sub-committee has been given seven days to conduct its preliminary investigation and report its findings to the main Committee.
Hon. Ugochinyere stressed that the commencement of the investigations should not be construed as a determination of the merits of either petition, noting that the Committee had yet to reach any conclusions on the allegations or demands presented before it.
“These are allegations, and the Committee has reached no conclusion on them. All parties will be given a full and fair opportunity to be heard,” he said.
The Chairman reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to promoting accountability, transparency and regulatory integrity in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector. He emphasised that complaints raising questions about the conduct of industry operators or public officials would receive appropriate legislative attention.
He further assured Nigerians that both petitions would be handled in accordance with the Committee’s constitutional and legislative oversight responsibilities, established procedures and the principles of fairness and due process.
According to him, the findings of the preliminary investigations would guide the Committee in determining the appropriate next steps, including any further legislative action considered necessary.
Spread the word