Abuja: The House Committee on Petroleum Downstream Sector has dismissed petitions demanding the sack of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Farouk Ahmed. The announcement was made by the Chairman of the committee, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, during a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ugochinyere stated that the committee, after reviewing the results achieved by the NMDPRA under Ahmed’s leadership, decided to dismiss the petitions calling for his removal. He emphasized the committee’s commitment to sustainable economic development through its oversight responsibilities.
The lawmaker also expressed concern over the government’s alleged proposals to sell some of the country’s refineries, especially after efforts and resources have been allocated to revive them. Ugochinyere assured that the committee is dedicated to transparency and accountability and promised a thorough investigation into these proposals.
Additionally, Ugochinyere highlighted the committee’s intention to address the delay in the maintenance of the refineries. He mentioned the committee’s determination to improve the petroleum downstream sector and their readiness to tackle the complaints made by modular refineries regarding access to crude.
The committee chairman promised to establish a legislative framework that would include all stakeholders to ensure sustainable energy stability. He also revealed plans to organize an annual downstream Petroleum Week to facilitate interactions with stakeholders and discuss improvements for the sector.
