The Reps tasks FG to allow independent marketers to lift petrol from Dangote
Ilenre Irele
House of Representatives on Thursday called on the Federal Government to order authorities of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery to allow independent marketers to lift premium motor spirit (PMS) from the Dangote Refinery.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion of Urgent Public Importance on the urgent sponsored by Hon. Oboku Abonsizibe Oforji, who solicited for the House intervention.
In his lead debate, Hon. Oforji observed that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery began operation in its 650, barrels per day (BPD) integrated refinery on the 15th of September 2024, having the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) as the sole off taker.
“However recently, the Major Marketers have been given access to lift the product by the NNPCL.
“We must commend the Dangote Group and congratulate Nigerians as this is no mean feat considering the fact that our country has been battling for decades with refining our crude without success.
“The House also note that by this feat, Nigeria is driving towards energy self-sufficiency, cost and foreign exchange savings, meeting the increasing demand for fuels, attraction of foreign capital investment, generation of Forex through export of finished product, conservation of foreign exchange and huge value addition that will contribute to increase in Nigeria Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“The House further note that in view of the high demand by millions of Nigerians for PMS, and the ordeal they go through to get it, NNPCL should allow independent marketers to lift the product from the Dangote refinery.
“The House is cognizant that allowing Independent Marketers, Major Marketers, along with NNPCL to lift from the Dangote Refinery will lead to competition, availability of the product, hence reduction in the price of PMS.
“The House is worried that NNPCL and the Major Marketers as exclusive off takers, spells monopoly which is tantamount to greed. This is the same NNPCL that has failed to manage our crude and refineries for decades in the past.
“No wonder the late MKO Abiola of blessed memory, in a viral video, some years ago lamented that the NNPCL lacks transparency and accountability.
“The House is disturbed that allowing the NNPCL and Major Marketers to lift PMS from the refinery to the exclusion of Independent Marketers, is not good enough.
“The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria’s (IPMAN) representatives has expressed fears that it may be forced to resort to fuel imports to sustain their businesses.
