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Senate moves against importation of hazardous petroleum products, raises ad-hoc probe panel

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The Senate has raised alarm over the persistent importation of hazardous petroleum products and the influx of substandard diesel into the Nigerian market, for which has launched an investigation into the matter.

The upper legislative chamber is also planning to review the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), noting that Nigeria has yet to attract significant investment since the Act’s implementation, while substandard petroleum products continue to flood the market.
The red Chamber therefore raised an Ad-hoc committee to investigate the alleged importation of hazardous petroleum products and the dumping of substandard diesel in Nigeria.

The resolution on the probe was passed as a matter of urgent public importance, followed a motion by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong from Cross River State, on Wednesday.

During plenary which was presided over by the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, the committee was given terms of reference to inlude, “Examinining the pre-shipment and pre-discharge standard test parameters, adopted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority, with a view to uncovering loopholes, if any, exploited to get toxic cargoes into the country.

“Determining the level of compliance of the NPCL’s Direct Sale and Direct Purchase (DSDP) arrangements in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, including the extent of transparency and accountability in the scheme.

“Beam legislative searchlight on the activities of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund, including payments made to transporters in the last 10 years.

“Enquire from the NPCL the state/ status of the 22 Depots built by the NNPC to eliminate road distribution of petroleum products.

“Engage with stakeholders within the oil and gas industry with a view to identifying possible gaps in regulating and strengthening the surveillance and monitoring structures in place to enable Nigeria detect violations of best practice standards in the importation of products before they enter into domestic supply chains.

“Also engage with the NNPCL with a view to understanding the extent of its determination and timelines for the start-up of Government funded oil refineries.

“Investigate how institutions across the importation and distribution chain failed to conduct quality sampling, shipped in products without auditing, port validations by the Nigerian Customs Service; Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR); National Maritime Authority (NMA); and Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON).”

The Senate gave the committee 21 days conduct the investigation and submit a report.

Ekpenyong, while moving his motion, recalled how on June 16, 2024, 12 diesel cargoes, reportedly conveying a total of 660kt of diesel was exported by refineries to offshore Lome, Togo, for further distribution to West African markets, mainly Nigeria.

He told the Senate that the quality of the said diesel was below the Nigerian standard in terms of flash and Sulphur levels.

Ekpenyong added, “However, in spite of the substandard nature of the diesel, it still finds its way into the Nigerian markets, as a track on Mt ‘Kallos’, which arrived Lome on the 16th of June, which immediately did ship-to-ship (STS) transfer to DV MT (Matric Triumph) and then proceeded to discharge into Matric Jetty in Warri on 21st June, 2024.

“Thereafter, another STS was made to DV MT ‘Matric Pride’, which then proceeded to discharge into Obat Oil terminal on 22nd June, 2024.”

The lawmaker further said the diesel was priced below fair market value, which constituted dumping on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules.

According to him, the rules stipulate that “countries are permitted to take measures to protect their local industries in the event of dumping.

“The WTO also recognises the impact of dumping on domestic industries, and therefore stipulates tariff regimes, such as anti-dumping duties and import restriction measures to ensure that domestic producers are not unfairly disadvantaged.”

Ekpenyong noted that even though the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) had recently revised the standards of diesel importation into Nigeria in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, it was apparent that they were incapable of enforcing compliance with the standards.”

He deplored a situation where MDPRA persistently issued import licenses for diesel and jet, despite sufficient local production capacity.

The motion reads further, “Therefore, the best also option for protecting Nigerians and our local refineries against dumping is to place a total ban on the importation of diesel in so far as our local refineries can meet the Nigerian demands.

“The said ban on importation of diesel will be beneficial to the Nigerian petroleum Industry and indeed the entire nation, and as such, the MDPRA should cease to import licenses in order to address all concerns. However, if the situation is allowed to continue, local production will have no option than to stop the commissioning of gasoline units and shutdown refineries until the regulatory environment improves.

“This is against the backdrop that local production has been able to sell on 20kt of jet fuel in the last 3 months, relative to local demand of 180kt over the same period.

“Observes that the inability to inaugurate modular refineries as well as get existing refineries to be fully functional to discharge their functions to meet local demands for clean petroleum products, would make a Nigeria a dump site for dirty fuel.

“Concerned that importation of substandard diesel has both human and mechanical consequences, as toxic emissions from the diesel contribute to respiratory illnesses and other health issues as well as degrade engine life that would force consumers to deal with frequent vehicle and generator breakdowns with attendant higher maintenance costs.”

Speaking after the motion was passed, Akpabio observed that following the passage of the PIA, several local investors put their money in the oil and gas industry, but said they might be disappointed already, seeing that happenings in the industry didn’t encourage them.

He cited the case of the Dangote Group, which invested over $4billion to build a refinery in the country, but was being frustrated to a point of sourcing for crude outside the country

Oil and gas

Governor Ododo Seeks Federal Collaboration to Boost Oil Exploration in Kogi State

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Usman Ododo and Heineken Lokpobiri

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has called for enhanced cooperation between the state and the federal government to accelerate investment in oil exploration within Kogi State.

Governor Ododo made this appeal during a visit to Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), in Abuja on Thursday.
Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Ismaila Isah quoted him to have reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a favorable environment for investors, emphasizing the state’s readiness to work closely with the federal government.
He underscored the importance of fast-tracking oil exploration in Kogi in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to expand exploration in Nigeria’s frontier basins.

Responding to the governor’s call, Senator Lokpobiri reaffirmed Kogi’s status as an oil-producing state and pledged the federal government’s commitment to attract investment to tap into the state’s vast oil resources. He highlighted the mandate of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which tasks the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) with exploring frontier basins.
He assured that the government is ready to deploy funds for further exploration in Kogi.

Senator Lokpobiri also commended Governor Ododo for his leadership and strides in governance, noting that these efforts will be key in attracting and sustaining investment in the state.

Kogi State became the first oil-producing state in Northern Nigeria in 2022 following the federal government’s confirmation of oil discoveries in commercial quantities.

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We will soon unravel shady Issues in the Petroleum Sector, Senator Kawu vows

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Sumaila Kawu

As the newly appointed chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Senator Sumaila Kawu has promised to tackle the persistent lack of transparency in Nigeria’s petroleum industry, which he likens to a “cabal.”

Kawu was appointed as chairman of the Committee following the demise of Senator Ifeanyi Uba who represented Anambra South who held sway as the chairman of the committee

Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday at the National Assembly, Kawu detailed his plans to shed light on the sector’s operations and engage the public in meaningful dialogue.

With rising fuel prices impacting Nigerians daily, Kawu emphasized the urgent need for clarity and accountability within the industry. “Our first step will be to study the current situation and gather information from relevant agencies,” he stated.
He highlighted the importance of holding public hearings, which will allow citizens to voice their concerns and experiences directly.

Kawu’s committee will focus specifically on reviewing contracts awarded by previous administrations and overseeing the current contracts for refinery repairs.
By scrutinizing the agreements, Kawu targets to expose any irregularities and ensure that funds are being used effectively.
He remarked, “We need to ask the hard questions and hold a public hearing to allow Nigerians to express their views.”

In his commitment to transparency, Kawu detailed his plans to engage with stakeholders, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and refinery operators, to understand the barriers to efficient production and accountability.
According to him, the recent visits to the refineries have given course fir concerns about unmet production timelines, prompting a call for a more rigorous evaluation of the situation.

Kawu’s focus on transparency is not only about identifying issues but also about fostering a culture of openness within the sector.
He promise to use the committee to dismantle the “cabal-like” operations that have characterized the industry, ensuring that decision-making processes are accessible and understandable to the public.

Senator Kawu expressed determination to implement measures that will stabilize the petroleum sector and address the legitimate concerns of Nigerians.
By prioritizing transparency and public engagement, he expressed the hope to restore confidence in the management of Nigeria’s petroleum resources.

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Controversy trails Mele Kyari’s continued stay in office amid soaring fuel prices

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Mele Kyari

The ongoing fuel crisis in Nigeria, marked by skyrocketing prices and shortages, has triggered a wave of mixed reactions over the continued leadership of Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director (GMD) and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
Many Nigerians, alongside key industry stakeholders, are calling for accountability as the country’s oil and gas sector struggles under immense pressure.

Fuel prices have ballooned from N145.48 per liter in 2019 when Kyari assumed office, to nearly N1,000 per liter today, leaving the country in the grip of a cost-of-living crisis. This has led to widespread criticism of Kyari and the NNPCL, with some accusing the corporation of inefficiency and mismanagement that has further strained the already fragile economy.

Speaking in Abuja, Felix Osakwe, the 2023 presidential candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), expressed deep disappointment with the state of the oil sector. He placed much of the blame on both Kyari and President Bola Tinubu, who also serves as the Minister of Petroleum.

“Engr. Mele Kyari should not be held solely responsible for the current crisis. The President, as the Minister of Petroleum, should also be accountable,” Osakwe said. “Kyari takes instructions directly from him, and they have failed to address the suffering of Nigerians due to the high cost of fuel.”

Osakwe further criticized the government for its lack of empathy, stating that the rising cost of transportation caused by escalating fuel prices has eroded the essence of democracy, making everyday life a struggle for Nigerians.

The call for Kyari’s removal has been echoed by lawmakers in the National Assembly.
A group, known as The Economy Rescue Group, led by Rep. Esosa Iyawe, has demanded Kyari’s resignation, citing the mismanagement of NNPCL as a primary cause of the sector’s decline. Iyawe emphasized that Kyari’s leadership has undermined President Tinubu’s administration and the promises of economic recovery under the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

“We, the concerned lawmakers, believe that the mismanagement and failures of the NNPCL under Kyari have been disastrous for the country,” Iyawe said in a statement. “If he does not resign, we urge the President to suspend him to allow for a full investigation into the NNPCL’s activities.”

The lawmakers pointed to numerous issues plaguing the oil sector, including the distribution of adulterated fuel, indiscriminate licensing, and ongoing fuel scarcity despite Nigeria’s position as a major oil-producing nation.
They argue that the presence of cronyism within NNPCL and the use of middlemen for fuel trading have contributed to the crisis, demanding that Kyari’s management be thoroughly investigated.

Despite these growing calls for his resignation, Kyari has defenders. Rev. Olusegun Peters, National Chairman of the Democratic Peoples Congress (DPC), argued that Kyari should not be the scapegoat for Nigeria’s fuel crisis. Peters called for full deregulation of the oil sector, believing that more competition in the downstream sector would naturally drive prices down.

“Mele Kyari is not the real problem,” Peters said. “We need to open the oil and gas sector to competition. The more players we have, the better prices will become. No one man or entity should be allowed to dominate the supply of fuel.”

Peters also criticized the government for creating monopolistic conditions in the sector, suggesting that Kyari and the NNPCL are being unfairly blamed for deeper structural issues.

This controversy comes against a backdrop of significant challenges for Nigeria’s oil industry, including delayed refinery rehabilitation and allegations of corruption. Under Kyari’s leadership, the sector has been hit by accusations of inefficiency and mismanagement, leaving many to wonder if his continued tenure is sustainable in the face of public discontent.

As the pressure mounts, Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of the country’s fuel crisis, with hopes that swift and effective reforms will provide relief. The question remains whether the government will take decisive action to address the issues at the heart of the crisis, starting with the leadership of NNPCL.

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