The House of Representatives has taken decisive action to mediate a growing public dispute between Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, and Nigeria's oil sector regulator. The legislative intervention aims to prevent the feud from destabilising the crucial downstream petroleum market.
Lawmakers Summon Dangote and Regulator
The House of Representatives Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream and Midstream) convened an emergency meeting on Monday, 15 December 2025. The committee, co-chaired by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and Hon. Henry Okogie, formally summoned Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Group, and the leadership of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The lawmakers ordered both sides to appear before them to present their grievances in detail. They emphasised that a comprehensive understanding of the issues is essential for the National Assembly to broker a lasting solution that protects the sector's stability.
A Call for Media Ceasefire and Swift Investigation
In a move to de-escalate tensions, the joint committee issued a strong appeal for both parties to suspend all public and media exchanges. Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere stated that the intervention was necessary to prevent further escalation at a critical time for the nation's energy sector.
"We are urging both parties to cease fire in the media so that the situation does not worsen," Ugochinyere said. He reiterated the call for restraint, pleading with the refining community and the regulatory agency to halt mutual accusations while the legislative process unfolds.
The committee described the situation as a "growing tension" threatening the stability achieved in the downstream sector, especially in the sensitive post-subsidy era where the government is working to stabilise fuel supply, pricing, and regulation.
Petitions Highlight Critical Industry Concerns
The lawmakers revealed they have received formal petitions that raise serious concerns central to Nigeria's energy security. The issues under scrutiny include:
- The contentious issuance of import licences for refined petroleum products.
- The actual capacity of domestic refineries, including the massive Dangote Refinery, to meet the nation's daily fuel consumption needs.
"These are serious matters that require proper investigation," Ugochinyere noted. He assured the public that once all key stakeholders appear before the committee, a full picture would emerge, enabling the development of sustainable resolutions.
The intervention by the House of Representatives comes amid intense public scrutiny of Nigeria's downstream sector. Nigerians have high expectations for local refining capacity, clear regulatory oversight, and a stable, affordable fuel supply, making the outcome of this mediation critically important for the economy.
