Reps urged to probe NIPCO gas licences

Arewa youths have called on the House of Representatives to ensure a transparent and impartial investigation into the issuance of gas distribution licences to NIPCO Plc and the allegations of money laundering and abuse of office levelled against the Executive Vice President, Downstream, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Dr. Mumuni Dagazau.

The group, in a statement issued by its Convener, Kabiru Yusuf, also urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend Dagazau pending the conclusion of the investigation, arguing that decisive administrative measures would help protect the credibility of the process and sustain public confidence in the petroleum industry.

The call followed the commencement of preliminary investigations by the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) into two petitions concerning alleged misconduct and regulatory issues in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

One of the petitions reportedly contains allegations of money laundering and abuse of office against Dagazau, while the other seeks an investigation into gas distribution licences issued to NIPCO Plc in parts of the South-West, alongside demands for their suspension and cancellation.

Recall that the Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, disclosed during a technical briefing marking the conclusion of Downstream Week 2026 that two separate subcommittees had been constituted to examine the petitions and submit their findings to the main committee for consideration and further legislative action.

Reacting to the development, the Arewa youths, through their convener, Kabiru Yusuf, said the petitions raised issues that required thorough scrutiny because of the importance of the downstream petroleum sector to the Nigerian economy and the welfare of citizens.

The group insisted that the investigation should not be limited to the allegations against the NNPCL executive, but should also establish whether the gas distribution licences issued to NIPCO Plc complied with applicable laws, regulations, and established procedures.

“The Committee must ensure that all relevant evidence is examined, all parties are given a fair hearing, and its findings are made available to the public in accordance with applicable laws and parliamentary procedures,” he said.

Yusuf added that the allegations involving NIPCO Plc’s gas distribution licences deserved equal attention, warning that regulatory decisions in the petroleum industry must be guided by transparency, accountability, and strict compliance with the law.

He argued that the strategic importance of the sector made it necessary for public institutions to address allegations of misconduct promptly and credibly, particularly at a time when Nigerians were facing economic hardship and rising living costs.

On the allegations against Dagazau, the Arewa youth leader maintained that their demand for his suspension was not an attempt to pronounce him guilty, but a measure intended to protect the integrity of the investigation.

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“Our position is not a declaration of guilt against any individual or corporate entity. Rather, it is a demand for an investigation that is free from political influence, institutional interference or preferential treatment,” he said.

He further urged Dagazau to voluntarily step aside while the investigation continued, saying such a decision would demonstrate respect for the National Assembly and reinforce the principle that no public official should be beyond scrutiny.

He also tasked the Federal Government and the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) to ensure that the investigation proceeded without interference, and that any administrative or legal action taken against individuals or corporate entities was grounded in established facts and the findings of the probe.

Yusuf maintained that a credible outcome would help preserve public trust in the NNPCL, strengthen regulatory accountability, and uphold the rule of law, adding that the petroleum sector should not be left under a cloud of unresolved allegations.