REPS COMMITTEE DISMISSES PETITION AGAINST NIPCO GAS DISTRIBUTION LICENCES
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The House of Representatives Sub-Committee investigating a petition against NIPCO Plc has dismissed the complaint seeking the cancellation of the company’s gas distribution licences.
The petition was filed by the Nigerian Energy Security Watch Group (NESWG), which called for an investigation into licences granted to NIPCO by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to operate in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun states, including the Lagos and Lekki Free Trade Zones.
Chairman of the Sub-Committee, Peter Aniekwe, said the petition was dismissed because it lacked credible evidence to support the allegations, adding that the claims were largely based on hearsay.
Aniekwe explained that the issuance and regulation of gas distribution licences fall within the statutory responsibilities of the NMDPRA under the Petroleum Industry Act.
He also disclosed that the authority had committed to completing and rolling out the gas distribution licensing process in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The lawmaker said the committee would monitor the process to ensure transparency, fairness and protection of the public interest.
He reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to examining genuine petitions and promoting a competitive and safe gas market in the country.