By Christiana Ekpa
The House of Representatives has dismissed petitions accusing Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Executive Vice President, Dangazau, of money laundering, following an investigation by an ad hoc subcommittee set up to examine the allegations.
The decision followed the committee’s review of petitions submitted by the Coalition for Transparency and Accountability in Nigeria’s Petroleum Sector (CTANPS), as well as the issues raised against the NNPCL executive.
Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, commended the investigative process, stressing that legislative oversight must be guided by verifiable facts, due process and fairness.
He said the process of examining petitions was essential to promoting accountability, transparency and public confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Ugochinyere noted that the downstream petroleum sector remained central to the country’s economic stability, particularly in relation to fuel availability, distribution, transportation costs and the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
He emphasised that while legitimate allegations must be thoroughly investigated, individuals should not be subjected to unsubstantiated claims without sufficient evidence.
The lawmaker also highlighted ongoing initiatives by the NNPCL to improve downstream operations, diversify energy sources and modernise petroleum product distribution.
He pointed to the company’s revised refinery rehabilitation strategy, which adopts a technical equity partnership model aimed at improving operational efficiency and commercial sustainability.
However, as of July 2026, the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries had yet to resume production, underscoring the challenges facing Nigeria’s domestic refining capacity.
Ugochinyere also acknowledged the NNPCL’s efforts to expand the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative to petrol and diesel.
In July 2025, the company handed over 35 CNG-powered hybrid buses to the Presidential Initiative on CNG as part of efforts to promote alternative-fuel transportation.
The company also reported acquiring 500 CNG-powered trucks in its 2025 audited performance announcement, an investment expected to support gas-powered logistics and improve the transportation of petroleum products.
In another development, NNPC Retail commissioned its first smart self-service station on Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja, in September 2026. The facility operates round the clock and combines conventional fuel dispensing with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electric-vehicle charging, lubricant services and other customer amenities.
According to Ugochinyere, the initiatives highlight the importance of sustained investment, institutional accountability and policy consistency in strengthening the downstream petroleum sector.
He, however, stressed that the success of such reforms must be measured by tangible improvements in fuel availability, affordability, operational efficiency and service delivery to Nigerians.
The committee chairman reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to rigorous oversight of the petroleum industry, describing it as a necessary mechanism for safeguarding public resources, strengthening institutions and ensuring that operators act in the national interest.
He urged stakeholders to support constructive reforms while allowing relevant institutions to discharge their responsibilities without undue interference.
He added that transparency, accountability and respect for due process remained critical to rebuilding public confidence in the petroleum industry.
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