By Aaron Ossai
The House of Representatives has dismissed money laundering allegations against Dangazau, Executive Vice President of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), following an investigation into petitions filed by the Coalition for Transparency and Accountability in Nigeria’s Petroleum Sector (CTANPS).
The decision followed the findings of an ad hoc subcommittee constituted by the House to examine the petitions and investigate the allegations against the NNPCL executive.
The committee’s findings informed the dismissal of the allegations, with the House emphasising the importance of evidence-based investigations and due process in handling petitions against public officials.
Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, commended the investigative process, stressing that legislative oversight must be guided by verifiable facts to promote accountability, transparency and public confidence in the petroleum industry.
Ugochinyere said the downstream petroleum sector remained crucial to Nigeria’s economic stability because of its direct influence on fuel supply, distribution, transportation costs and the livelihoods of millions of citizens.
He maintained that while legitimate petitions must be thoroughly investigated, individuals should also be protected against allegations that cannot be substantiated by evidence.
The lawmaker also highlighted ongoing initiatives by the NNPCL to improve downstream operations, diversify energy sources and modernise petroleum product distribution infrastructure.
On refinery rehabilitation, he noted that the company had adopted a technical equity partnership model aimed at improving operational efficiency and ensuring commercial sustainability.
Although the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries had yet to resume production as of July 2026, the revised strategy represents an attempt to address persistent operational challenges that have plagued the facilities for years.
The NNPCL has also continued to promote compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative to conventional petrol and diesel, as part of efforts to diversify Nigeria’s energy sources and reduce dependence on traditional fuels.
In July 2025, the company handed over 35 CNG-powered hybrid buses to the Presidential Initiative on CNG to support the expansion of alternative-fuel transportation.
The company also reported the acquisition of 500 CNG-powered trucks in its 2025 audited performance announcement, an investment expected to support gas-powered logistics and improve the transportation of petroleum products.
In another development, NNPC Retail commissioned its first smart self-service station on Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja, in September 2026.
The facility operates round the clock and combines conventional fuel dispensing with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electric-vehicle charging, lubricant services and other customer amenities.
According to Ugochinyere, such initiatives underscore the importance of sustained investment, institutional accountability and policy consistency in strengthening the downstream petroleum industry.
He, however, stressed that the success of these initiatives should be measured by their impact on fuel availability, operational efficiency, affordability and the quality of services delivered to Nigerians.
The committee chairman reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to effective oversight of the petroleum industry, describing legislative scrutiny as essential to protecting public resources, strengthening institutions and ensuring that industry operators act in the national interest.
He urged stakeholders to support constructive reforms and allow relevant institutions to discharge their responsibilities without undue interference.
Ugochinyere added that transparency, accountability and respect for due process remained critical to rebuilding public confidence in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
