By Aaron Ossai
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, has assured petroleum marketers that the National Assembly is committed to engaging industry stakeholders in shaping policies affecting Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.
Speaking at a briefing session with representatives of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) on Tuesday, Ugochinyere said the meeting was designed to foster dialogue rather than scrutiny.
“We are here not to interrogate, not to accuse and not to put anyone on trial. We are here to listen,” the Committee Chairman said, stressing that lawmakers and marketers share a common objective of ensuring affordable energy, stable fuel supply and improved access to petroleum products for Nigerians.
He noted that the relationship between the National Assembly and downstream operators had for years been characterised by limited engagement, with lawmakers often debating industry challenges without direct input from stakeholders.
“That era ends today,” he declared, adding that the Committee had resolved that no policy affecting the downstream sector would be developed without hearing directly from industry operators.
According to Ugochinyere, the briefing session marks the beginning of a more collaborative approach between legislators and petroleum marketers, describing the engagement as a conversation rather than a formal hearing.
“We cannot regulate what we do not understand, and we cannot understand what we have not heard directly from those who live it every single day,” he said.
Speaking further, the Chairman said Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry is at a critical stage as domestic refining capacity expands, importation patterns evolve and pipeline security remains a major concern.
He described marketers, depot owners, independent operators and major oil marketers as the vital link between government policy and fuel availability across the country.
“When that bridge is strong, Nigerians feel it in stable prices and steady supply. When that bridge is strained, the whole nation feels it too,” he said.
Ugochinyere urged stakeholders to provide candid assessments of existing importation regulations, the impact of increased domestic refining and the challenges facing their businesses, assuring them that the Committee would consider their views in future legislative actions.
He said the Committee was prepared to act in the national interest based on the submissions received from industry players.
The lawmaker also pledged that the Committee would prioritise partnership, dialogue and mutual understanding in its oversight of the downstream petroleum sector.
“I therefore urge every representative in this room to speak boldly, to speak honestly, and to speak in the interest of the Nigerian people we all ultimately serve,” he added.
The briefing session brought together key stakeholders in the downstream petroleum industry to discuss issues relating to fuel importation, domestic refining and measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s petroleum supply chain.
