By John Moses
The House of Representatives Committee on the Petroleum Downstream Sector has dismissed petitions calling for the removal of Mr Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Committee Chairman Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere stated that the decision followed a thorough review of the agency’s performance under Ahmed’s leadership.
“Having evaluated the NMDPRA’s achievements in recent times, we found no merit in the petitions seeking his dismissal,” Ugochinyere said.
He reiterated the committee’s commitment to fostering economic growth through impartial and diligent oversight of the sector.
Ugochinyere also expressed concerns over alleged plans by the government to privatise some of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries, despite substantial investments aimed at rehabilitating them.
He confirmed the committee’s intention to investigate the rationale behind such proposals, as well as the delays in the turnaround maintenance of the refineries.
The committee, he added, is determined to resolve issues affecting modular refineries, which have reportedly faced challenges in securing access to crude oil.
“We have received multiple complaints from operators of modular refineries about the bureaucratic barriers to crude supply,” he said, promising legislative measures that will include all stakeholders to ensure long-term energy stability.
Ugochinyere also announced plans to institutionalise an annual “Downstream Petroleum Week” to enhance engagement with industry stakeholders and chart a sustainable path forward.
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is the statutory body responsible for regulating activities within Nigeria’s petroleum midstream and downstream sectors.
