Rita Odafe
The Senate reacted strongly to reports shared by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong regarding the export of 12 diesel cargoes to West Africa, particularly Nigeria, from refineries located in Lome, Togo. These cargoes, totaling 660 kilotons, were found to have quality issues below Nigerian standards, specifically in terms of flash and sulfur levels.
Despite the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) updating diesel import standards to align with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021, enforcement has been lacking.
To address this worrisome trend, the Senate has formed a special committee to investigate the importation of unsafe petroleum products and the circulation of substandard diesel in the country. The NMDPRA’s issuance of import licenses for diesel and jet fuel, despite adequate local production capacity, was also flagged as a concern.
Lawmakers denounced these actions as acts of sabotage and non-compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act’s objectives. Those found responsible for these illegal activities are expected to face legal repercussions.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed the sentiments of his colleagues, stressing the need to review the provisions of the PIA objectively and not as a form of persecution.
The Senate leader will head the ad-hoc committee tasked with investigating these issues and is expected to deliver a report within three weeks.
