…Says NMDPRA has legal authority to issue permits
…Pledges to monitor licensing process, protect public interest
The House of Representatives Sub-Committee investigating a petition against NIPCO Plc has dismissed calls for an investigation, suspension and cancellation of the company’s gas distribution licences.
The committee reached the decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, after considering a petition submitted by the Nigerian Energy Security Watch Group (NESWG), which questioned gas distribution licences issued to NIPCO by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The petition had sought an investigation into licences covering Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun states, as well as the Lagos and Lekki Free Trade Zones. It also demanded the cancellation of the licences and a public hearing on the matter.
However, the sub-committee, constituted in October 2026 to examine the allegations, resolved not to proceed with the proposed investigation.
Announcing the decision after its sitting, Chairman of the committee, Hon. Peter Aniekwe, said the issuance and regulation of gas distribution licences were within the statutory responsibilities of the NMDPRA under the Petroleum Industry Act.
He, however, maintained that the National Assembly would continue to exercise its oversight functions over the licensing process to ensure accountability and protect the public interest.
Aniekwe disclosed that the NMDPRA had undertaken to complete and commence the rollout of gas distribution licensing in the fourth quarter of 2026.
He said the committee would monitor the process to ensure that the regulatory agency complied with relevant legal and regulatory provisions.
The lawmaker stressed the importance of an open, competitive and safe gas market, adding that investors also required a transparent and predictable regulatory environment to sustain long-term investments in the sector.
According to him, gas remains critical to Nigeria’s energy security and transition towards more affordable energy sources, including cooking gas for households and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transportation.
He said the National Assembly would support policies and regulatory frameworks capable of attracting investment, protecting consumers and ensuring that licensing decisions served the broader national interest.
The chairman also assured Nigerians and industry stakeholders that the House of Representatives remained open to genuine petitions and complaints concerning the gas sector.
He said every petition submitted to the legislature would be considered on its merits, irrespective of the individuals or organisations involved.
Aniekwe commended members of the sub-committee and its secretariat for their diligence and commitment throughout the assignment before formally presenting the decision dismissing the petition.
