Urgent Need to Address Outrage Over Comments by NMDPRA Chief Executive

By Osaiyekemwen Confidence

Hon. Esosa Iyawe has moved a motion of urgent public importance regarding the controversy stemming from the unguarded comments made by the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority (NMDPRA). Speaking during the House session, Iyawe sought the leave of the House in accordance with Order Rule 8, Rule 5, to address this pressing matter.

Iyawe highlighted the significant impact of high sulfur content in fuel, noting its potential to damage engines and contribute to air pollution. He reminded the House that NMDPRA currently permits local refineries to produce diesel with sulfur content up to 650 parts per million (ppm) until January 2025, as approved by ECOWAS.

Recently, the Chief Executive of NMDPRA claimed that diesel produced by Dangote refineries was inferior to imported fuels due to its high sulfur content.

In response, an independent test supervised by members of the House of Representatives was carried out which revealed that Dangote diesel had a sulfur content of 87.5 ppm, significantly lower than the imported samples, which exceeded 1800 ppm and 2000 ppm.

Iyawe expressed the House’s concern over allegations that NMDPRA has been issuing licenses to traders importing high-sulfur diesel into Nigeria, posing severe health risks and financial losses to Nigerians. He condemned the unguarded statements by the NMDPRA Chief Executive, which have been disproven and sparked public outrage, accusing him of undermining local refineries and promoting continued fuel imports, seen as economic sabotage.

The House resolved to call on the Federal Government to suspend the Chief Executive of NMDPRA pending conclusive investigations into the allegations against the authority.