The House of Representatives Sub-Committee on the Petition regarding NIPCO Plc has dismissed a petition filed by the Nigerian Energy Security Watch Group (NESWG), which sought an investigation, suspension and cancellation of fuel distribution licences issued to NIPCO Plc by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The choice was reached on Thursday when the Sub-Committee, constituted in October 2026 to look at the petition, resolved to not proceed with the proposed investigation.
The petition had known as for the investigation and cancellation of NIPCO Plc’s fuel distribution licences protecting Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun States, in addition to the Lagos and Lekki Free Trade Zones. It additionally sought a public listening to on the matter.
The Sub-Committee, which was granted a 14-day extension on October 26, 2026, to conclude its task, introduced its choice following its sitting on Thursday.
Speaking on the result, Chairman of the Sub-Committee, Hon. Peter Aniekwe, clarified that the issuance and regulation of fuel distribution licences fall inside the statutory mandate of the NMDPRA underneath the Petroleum Industry Act.
He, nevertheless, reaffirmed the dedication of the National Assembly to proceed exercising its oversight obligations over the licensing course of within the public curiosity.
Aniekwe disclosed that the NMDPRA had dedicated to finishing and rolling out fuel distribution licensing within the fourth quarter of 2026, assuring that the Sub-Committee would carefully monitor the method to make sure compliance with the related regulatory framework.
He harassed that Nigeria wanted a fuel market that was open, aggressive and protected, noting that traders equally required a clear and steady regulatory atmosphere to assist long-term funding.
According to him, fuel stays vital to Nigeria’s power safety and the transition in direction of extra reasonably priced power alternate options, together with cooking fuel for households and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transportation.
He maintained that the National Assembly would proceed to assist insurance policies and regulatory frameworks that encourage funding, shield shoppers and assure that the issuance of licences serves the broader nationwide curiosity.
The Chairman additional assured Nigerians and related stakeholders that the House of Representatives remained open to receiving real petitions and considerations regarding the fuel sector, including that each petition can be thought-about on its deserves.
Aniekwe expressed appreciation to members of the Sub-Committee and its Secretariat for his or her diligence and dedication all through the task, formally presenting the Sub-Committee’s choice to dismiss the petition.
