Reps opens probe into NIPCO gas distribution licenses, allegations against NNPCL

The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has commenced preliminary investigations into two petitions bordering on the operations and integrity of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, including a demand for the suspension and cancellation of gas distribution licences held by NIPCO Plc in parts of the South-west.

The petitions, which the Committee has classified as serious matters requiring urgent attention, also include allegations of money laundering and abuse of office against Dr Mumuni Dagazau, Executive Vice President, Downstream, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. (Barr.) Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, disclosed this on Monday during the technical briefing marking the conclusion of Downstream Week 2026.

He said the Committee had constituted two sub-committees to undertake preliminary investigations into the separate petitions and report their findings to the main Committee.

The first petition calls for an investigation into, and the suspension and cancellation of, 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 seeking a public hearing to examine the circumstances surrounding the licences and the issues raised in their complaint.

To examine the petition, the Committee has appointed Hon. Peter Aniekwe as chairman of the sub-committee, with Hon. Shehu Dalhatu serving as deputy.

The sub-committee is expected to conduct a preliminary investigation and submit its report to the main Committee for further consideration.

The second petition raises allegations of money laundering and abuse of office against Dr Dagazau, Executive Vice President, Downstream, of NNPCL.

The Committee has constituted a separate sub-committee, chaired by Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Al-Mustapha, with Hon. Amobi Ogah serving as Deputy, to examine the issues raised in the petition.

The sub-committee has been given seven days to conduct its preliminary investigation and report back to the main Committee.

Hon. Ugochinyere emphasised that the Committee has not reached any conclusions on either petition, stressing that the ongoing process was intended to establish the facts and ensure that all complaints received appropriate legislative attention.

“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 upholding accountability, transparency and regulatory integrity in the downstream petroleum sector, noting that complaints raising concerns about the conduct of operators or public officials would not be ignored.

He assured Nigerians that the Committee would handle both petitions in accordance with its legislative mandate and established procedures, adding that the outcomes of the preliminary investigations would inform the Committee’s next line of action.

The investigations form part of the Committee’s broader oversight responsibility to ensure accountability in the administration and regulation of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry, while safeguarding due process and the rights of all parties involved.