House of Representatives Endorses Tinubu and Dangote, Advocates for Enhanced Pipeline Funding

The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has expressed its unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, industrial magnate Aliko Dangote, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). During a technical briefing in Abuja marking the conclusion of Downstream Week 2026, the committee declared that Nigeria's pursuit of energy security is accelerating, thanks to recent developments in the downstream petroleum sector.

Chairman of the committee, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, emphasized that the committee's recent assessments indicate notable improvements in domestic refining capabilities, fuel supply, and pipeline security. He urged the Federal Government to bolster funding for pipeline surveillance and to enforce domestic crude supply obligations more rigorously. Ugochinyere also highlighted the necessity for legislation that safeguards local refineries from supply disruptions and unfair competition.

“The regulator has brought stability where there was uncertainty,” Ugochinyere stated, commending NMDPRA Chief Executive Rabiu Abdullahi Umar and the authority’s executive directors for their commendable performance.

Recent figures presented during the briefing revealed that domestic refineries now account for over 75 percent of the country’s petrol supply, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s energy landscape. This progress is critical as the country works towards achieving self-sufficiency in fuel production and reducing its dependence on imported petroleum products.

While the committee acknowledged the strides made in the sector, it reiterated the importance of continued government support to ensure these gains are not only maintained but also expanded. The call for increased funding and legislative support reflects a broader recognition of the challenges that still confront Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, particularly in areas related to infrastructure and competition.