The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream) has resolved to intensify its supervisory role over Nigeria’s midstream petroleum industry through direct engagement and rigorous accountability measures.
This commitment follows two strategic legislative retreats held in Port Harcourt and Lagos, where members examined operational challenges and strategies to strengthen oversight under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The Committee Chairman Odianosen Okojie emphasised a shift from passive briefings to active, on-site verification of industry realities.
“We went straight from the airport to inspect facilities ourselves,” Okojie stated, highlighting visits to Greenville LNG in Rumuji and Indorama Petrochemicals Limited in Rivers State.
These field assessments provided firsthand insight into the scale and complexities of domestic gas operations.
The committee plans a follow-up visit to Greenville LNG after reviewing requested documentation to evaluate compliance and operational standards. In contrast, lawmakers passed a formal vote of confidence in Indorama Petrochemicals, applauding its contributions to the petrochemical value chain and cooperative engagement during oversight.
At the Lagos session, stakeholders underscored the midstream sector’s critical role as the vital link between upstream production and end-user consumption, essential for reliable energy supply and industrial growth.
Key challenges identified include infrastructure deficits, pipeline security threats, regulatory conflicts, and sluggish domestic gas utilisation.
The committee also praised Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for its professional contributions to asset protection, maintenance, and job creation in the Niger Delta.
Okojie noted that effective oversight would henceforth be judged by measurable gains in energy access and economic impact rather than procedural formalities.
The Edo State lawmaker reaffirmed the panel’s balanced approach: commending excellence while confronting shortcomings to drive investment and improved energy security for Nigerians.
