The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), chaired by Hon. (Barr.) Ikenga Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, has concluded its three-day retreat in Owerri with a comprehensive set of resolutions. The primary demand is the long-term renewal of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).
Committee Commends Joint National Assembly Stance
The Committee commended the Joint Committee of the National Assembly for its principled and objective position on the Tantita contract. It noted that the alignment between both chambers sends a strong signal to stakeholders in the sector.
Endorsement of Tantita Contract Renewal
A major outcome of the retreat was the endorsement of both immediate and long-term renewal of the Tantita contract. The Committee also recommended that Tantita be designated as a Company of National Strategic Importance.
Dangote Refinery Praised, Supply Concerns Raised
Opening the retreat, Chairman Ugochinyere paid tribute to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, describing his refinery as a national treasure built by Nigerian capital for the Nigerian people. However, the Committee expressed concern over the persistent failure to ensure a steady supply of crude oil to indigenous refineries. It described the situation as a governance failure requiring legislative intervention.
Rejection of World Bank Recommendation
The Committee condemned the World Bank's Nigeria Development Update of April 7, 2026, which recommended reinstating petroleum import licences. The Committee rejected this as contrary to Nigeria's economic interests and an unacceptable interference in sovereign petroleum policy. It gave the World Bank 30 days to issue a public retraction and written apology.
Security Agencies Directed to Investigate
Security agencies, including the DSS, EFCC, and NIA, were directed to investigate alleged activities of foreign petroleum trading interests working against Nigeria's domestic refining sector. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also advised to lodge a formal diplomatic protest.
Sub-Committee on Crude Pricing Established
The Committee disclosed receiving credible information that some international oil companies (IOCs) and indigenous firms have been purchasing crude oil at below-market prices despite high global rates, resulting in significant revenue losses. To address this, a Sub-Committee on Crude Pricing and Revenue Integrity has been established with a mandate to report within 45 days. The Chairman stated, "The nation is losing revenue. We will find it."
Progress on PIA Amendments
The retreat noted significant progress on proposed amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), with six legislative priorities at advanced drafting stages, including a new Crude Pricing Oversight and Revenue Protection Framework.
Summons for NNPCL CEO
Additionally, the Committee resolved to formally summon the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for further engagement.
