The House of Representatives, have called on the federal government to end the monopoly which is being enjoyed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd, and allow independent marketers lift petrol from the Dangote Refinery.
The resolution was reached on Thursday, following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by the member representing Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency, Bayelsa State, Oboku Oforji.
Oforji said, “The House is worried that NNPCL and the major marketers are exclusive off-takers, which spells monopoly and is equivalent to greed. This is the same NNPCL that has failed to manage our crude and refineries for decades.
“If this monopoly is not nipped in the bud, the suffering of Nigerians caused by the scarcity of PMS will continue, and we all know the implications for the economy.”
Continuing, he said: “The House is disturbed that allowing the NNPCL and major marketers to lift Premium Motor Spirit from the refinery to the exclusion of independent marketers is not good enough.”
According to him, IPMAN representatives have expressed fears that they may be forced to resort to fuel imports to sustain their businesses.
The lawmaker commended the Dangote Group, for the commencement of petroleum refining, adding that with this achievement, the journey to Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency may have begun.
“The House notes that by this achievement, Nigeria is driving towards energy self-sufficiency, cost and foreign exchange savings, meeting the increasing demand for fuels, and attracting foreign capital investment. The generation of foreign exchange through the export of finished products, conservation of foreign exchange, and significant value addition will contribute to an increase in Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
Following the resolution, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, inaugurated a panel chaired by House Leader Julius Ihonvbere to serve in a joint committee of the Senate to investigate the crisis bedeviling the petroleum sector and proffer recommendations on the way forward.
