Reps Demand Suspension of NMDPRA CEO Amid Investigation

The House of Representatives has called for the suspension of the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority (NMDPRA) pending the outcome of investigations into allegations against the Authority.

This decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Hon. Esosa Iyawe, addressing the fallout from what he described as reckless comments by the CEO.

Hon. Iyawe highlighted the importance of fuel quality, noting that ultra-low sulfur diesel is essential for various sectors, including companies, power plants, storage facilities, industrial operations, fleets, heavy equipment, and ships. High sulfur content in fuel can damage engines and contribute to air pollution.

He emphasized that governments globally have implemented regulations to limit sulfur emissions, requiring diesel producers to adhere to these standards. Sulfur dioxide, he noted, has severe environmental and health impacts, potentially harming the respiratory system, impairing lung function, and even causing cancer.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority (NMDPRA) currently allows local refiners to produce diesel with sulfur content up to 650 parts per million (ppm) until January 2025, in line with ECOWAS standards.

Hon. Iyawe alleged that the NMDPRA Chief Executive recently claimed that diesel produced by the Dangote refinery was inferior to imported diesel, with sulfur content between 650 to 1,200 ppm. In response, Dangote requested a test supervised by Members of the House of Representatives, revealing that Dangote’s diesel had a sulfur content of 87.6 ppm, while two imported samples had sulfur levels exceeding 1,800 ppm and 2,000 ppm respectively, disproving the NMDPRA CEO’s allegations.

Hon. Iyawe further alleged that the NMDPRA was granting licenses to traders importing high-sulfur diesel into Nigeria, posing significant health risks and financial losses for Nigerians. The Chief Executive’s unsubstantiated claims, which have been discredited, sparked public outrage, with accusations of undermining local refineries and economic sabotage due to the higher sulfur content in imported fuel.

He expressed concern that the CEO’s unfounded and unprofessional statements, without prior investigation, were unpatriotic, especially amidst recent calls for protests against the Federal Government.