In a significant move aimed at fostering competition in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, the House of Representatives has called on the federal government to allow independent marketers to lift petrol directly from the Dangote Refinery. This request follows a motion of urgent public importance introduced by Oboku Oforji (PDP, Bayelsa), highlighting the need for a more inclusive distribution framework.

Since petrol began flowing from the Dangote Refinery on September 15, sales have been limited to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which then distributes the product to selected marketers. Although major petroleum marketers have received approval to lift petrol through an agreement with NNPCL, independent marketers have been notably excluded from this arrangement.

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Oforji voiced his concerns over this exclusion, arguing that it threatens healthy competition in the market, which is essential for reducing fuel costs. He warned that if independent marketers remain sidelined, they may be forced to turn to imported fuel to maintain their operations. “Having NNPCL and major marketers as the sole off-takers creates a monopoly that reeks of greed,” he stated, referencing NNPCL’s history of mismanagement regarding crude oil and refinery operations.

The lawmaker underscored the pressing demand for petrol among millions of Nigerians and the obstacles they face in accessing it. He deemed it unacceptable for only NNPCL and major marketers to have the privilege of lifting petrol from the refinery while independent marketers are left out of the process.

The motion received unanimous support from the House without any debate. Following a vote led by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, the House mandated the Committees on Petroleum Resources (Midstream and Downstream) to ensure compliance with this directive. Furthermore, the management of Dangote Refinery was encouraged to either establish or partner in developing tank farms and depots nationwide to enhance public access to petroleum products.