…Push for Industry-Wide Consensus on Downstream Reforms
The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) on Tuesday began moves to resolve growing tensions between petroleum importers and domestic refiners, as part of efforts to ensure energy security and stable fuel supply across the country.
The committee, at an interactive session held at the National Assembly, engaged key industry stakeholders, including the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria ( DAPMAN) the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN)
Speaking at the meeting, the committee Chairman, Ikenga Ugochinyere, said the engagement underscored the House’s commitment to inclusive and consultative lawmaking in reforming the downstream petroleum sector.
“We are here not to interrogate or accuse anyone. We are here to listen and engage as partners with a shared goal of ensuring affordable energy, stable supply, and accessibility for all Nigerians,” he said.
Ugochinyere assured stakeholders that no policy affecting the sector would be introduced without broad consultation, noting that operators remain critical to sustaining the nation’s petroleum distribution network.
He said Nigeria was at a crucial stage in its energy transition, citing increasing domestic refining capacity and evolving import dynamics, alongside efforts to improve pipeline security and distribution efficiency.
According to him, the committee would consider stakeholders’ submissions in shaping legislative measures aimed at encouraging investment, strengthening local refining, promoting competition, and guaranteeing uninterrupted supply of petroleum products.
In its presentation, DAPPMAN, through its Executive Secretary, Olufemi Adewole, called on the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to develop clear operating-stock guidelines under the Petroleum Industry Act.
The association also proposed a joint market-monitoring framework involving the NMDPRA and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to ensure transparency, fair competition, and early detection of supply disruptions.
DAPPMAN further urged the Federal Government to prioritise infrastructure development, including pipelines, depots, rail and waterways, to reduce reliance on long-distance trucking.
On its part, IPMAN described the downstream sector as critical to Nigeria’s economy, but listed key challenges such as high financing costs, foreign exchange volatility, poor infrastructure, pipeline vandalism, and limited access to refinery products.
The association called for reforms to improve logistics, reduce costs, and enhance product availability nationwide.
Also speaking, MEMAN Executive Secretary, Clement Isong, cautioned against outright restrictions on fuel imports, stressing the need for flexibility to address supply shortages and stabilise prices.
He recommended the establishment of a strategic petroleum reserve to cover at least 60 days of national consumption, noting that timely imports had previously helped stabilise the Liquefied Petroleum Gas market.
Despite differing positions, stakeholders agreed on the need for policy consistency, improved infrastructure, and sustained dialogue to strengthen the downstream petroleum sector and ensure long-term energy security.