he House of Representatives has taken a decisive step in the controversy surrounding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), dismissing a petition accusing its Executive Vice President, Downstream, Dr. Mumuni Dagazau, of money laundering and conflict of interest.
The decision followed an investigation by the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), which concluded that the petitioners failed to provide sufficient documentary evidence to substantiate their allegations.
The committee’s chairman, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, announced the decision in Abuja while reviewing outstanding matters and ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
According to Ugochinyere, the petition was filed by the Coalition for Transparency and Accountability in Nigeria’s Petroleum Sector, whose representatives appeared before the committee’s subcommittee on October 21, 2026.
However, he explained that the petitioners relied mainly on newspaper publications rather than verifiable documents to support their claims against Dagazau.
He added that they were given additional opportunities to present relevant evidence but failed to return on October 22 and 23 as expected.
Dagazau, on the other hand, responded to the committee’s invitation through his representatives, who addressed questions raised during the investigation.
Explaining the committee’s position, Ugochinyere declared that allegations alone could not establish wrongdoing.
“An allegation is not evidence, and a newspaper clipping is not proof,” he said.
The committee subsequently dismissed the petition in its entirety.
Ugochinyere, however, stressed that the decision was based on the petitioners’ failure to substantiate their claims and did not mean public officials were beyond investigation.
He warned against using legislative oversight proceedings to make accusations without credible evidence, insisting that complaints against public officials must be supported by verifiable facts.
Reps Reject Blanket Fuel Subsidy Restoration
Beyond the petition, the committee addressed growing concerns over petrol prices and calls for the possible return of fuel subsidies.
Ugochinyere rejected a blanket restoration of the former nationwide subsidy arrangement, warning that it could impose an enormous financial burden on the Federal Government.
He estimated Nigeria’s daily petrol consumption at approximately 50 million litres, arguing that restoring the former subsidised pump price could cost the government more than N20 trillion annually.
According to him, such expenditure would place significant pressure on public finances and could approach the total funds shared among the federal, state and local governments through the Federation Account in 2025.
He maintained that any intervention to ease the burden of rising fuel prices should be temporary, targeted and supported by a clear funding plan.
“A blanket subsidy does not lower the cost of fuel; it only changes who pays, and when,” he stated.
The committee chairman also highlighted reported interventions by NNPC Retail, including a N66-per-litre petrol discount introduced on October 1 and a subsequent announcement on October 8 that the company would forgo its profit margin and sell petrol at cost for 30 days.
He said the initiative was designed to provide temporary relief, particularly for commercial transport operators responsible for moving passengers and food across the country.
Refinery Rehabilitation, CNG Expansion Under Spotlight
The lawmakers also reviewed efforts to rehabilitate the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
Ugochinyere disclosed that prospective technical partners had visited the facilities to assess their condition and determine the work required to restore reliable operations.
He said the assessments were intended to identify a pathway towards commercially sustainable operations, although effective technical management and consistent maintenance would remain essential.
On alternative energy, the committee highlighted the expansion of compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) infrastructure.
According to figures presented by Ugochinyere, more than 120,000 vehicles were operating on CNG, while NNPCL had acquired 500 CNG-powered trucks for petroleum product distribution.
He added that the company had delivered 35 CNG hybrid buses to the Presidential CNG Initiative.
The committee chairman also disclosed that NNPC Retail commissioned its first solar-powered smart energy station in Abuja in September, combining petrol sales with cooking gas, CNG and electric vehicle charging services.
Between 50 and 70 similar stations were expected to be introduced across the country within six months, subject to implementation.
Nine-Pillar Roadmap Unveiled
In another major development, the committee announced a nine-pillar Roadmap to Downstream Energy Security aimed at addressing persistent challenges in petroleum supply, distribution and pricing.
The proposed roadmap includes enforceable crude oil supply obligations for domestic refineries, possible amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act, a regulated import market and the establishment of a national strategic petroleum stock.
Other priorities include fuel-quality laboratories, accelerated development of CNG and gas infrastructure, improved pipeline protection, transparent pricing arrangements and targeted relief for vulnerable consumers.
It also proposes firm timelines for rehabilitating state-owned refineries.
Ugochinyere said the committee would monitor implementation and hold relevant government agencies accountable.
He commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration and NNPCL management for their roles in the ongoing petroleum sector reforms.
The committee also passed a vote of confidence in the President and NNPCL management, citing developments in domestic refining, crude oil supply and the downstream petroleum industry.
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