House committee pledges tighter scrutiny of petroleum midstream operators

This initiative aims to improve energy security, boost domestic gas utilization, and ensure greater accountability among operators and regulators. The committee's chairman, Odianosen Okojie, stated that lawmakers will move beyond relying solely on reports and will conduct direct engagements with facilities and stakeholders to understand industry realities. This commitment follows legislative retreats in Port Harcourt and Lagos, where challenges facing the sector were reviewed.

The committee has already conducted site visits to Greenville LNG and Indorama Petrochemicals Ltd, expressing satisfaction with Indorama's contributions and engagement, while requesting further documentation from Greenville. The midstream sector, described as the crucial link between hydrocarbon production and domestic consumption, faces challenges including inadequate infrastructure, regulatory disputes, asset vandalism, and pipeline security concerns. The committee commended Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited PINL for its role in securing oil and gas assets and providing employment.

Okojie emphasized that oversight will now be measured by tangible improvements for Nigerians, such as affordable cooking gas and reliable power, rather than just the number of hearings. The committee plans to hold both regulators and operators accountable, en