The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream) has pledged to intensify oversight of Nigeria’s midstream oil and gas sector as part of efforts to improve transparency, strengthen energy security and accelerate domestic gas development.
The decision followed separate strategic retreats held in Port Harcourt and Lagos, where lawmakers examined the state of the industry, reviewed operational challenges and discussed ways to improve parliamentary supervision in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Established after the enactment of the PIA in 2021, the committee oversees key aspects of the midstream sector, including gas processing plants, storage facilities, transportation systems, pipelines, terminals and wholesale distribution networks.
Committee Chairman Odianosen Okojie said lawmakers would adopt a more hands-on approach to oversight by carrying out direct engagements and inspections of industry facilities instead of relying solely on reports submitted by operators and regulators.
According to him, physical assessments provide legislators with a clearer understanding of industry realities and help them make informed decisions regarding policy and regulation.
As part of its oversight activities, the committee visited facilities belonging to Greenville Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited and Indorama Petrochemicals Limited in Rivers State. The visits were followed by discussions on industry performance, regulatory compliance and operational standards.
Okojie disclosed that lawmakers plan to conduct an additional inspection of Greenville LNG after reviewing documents submitted by the company. He explained that the follow-up exercise would enable the committee to further evaluate the company’s operations and compliance record before reaching final conclusions.
He commended Greenville LNG for its contribution to expanding domestic gas distribution and expressed optimism about continued cooperation between the company and the committee.
The lawmakers also expressed satisfaction with the performance of Indorama Petrochemicals Limited, citing its contributions to the petrochemical industry and its openness during engagements with the committee.
According to Okojie, effective legislative oversight should not only identify shortcomings but also acknowledge organisations that demonstrate professionalism, accountability and operational excellence.
During the Lagos retreat, participants highlighted the critical role of the midstream petroleum sector in linking oil and gas production with end users, including industries, businesses and households.
Industry experts identified several challenges affecting growth in the sector, including inadequate infrastructure, pipeline vandalism, security concerns, regulatory disputes, tariff-related issues and the slow pace of domestic gas utilisation.
Stakeholders stressed that resolving these challenges would be essential to improving energy supply, boosting industrial development and enhancing access to petroleum products nationwide.
The committee also praised Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for its efforts in protecting critical oil and gas assets. Lawmakers noted that the company’s surveillance and maintenance activities have contributed to more stable crude oil production while creating employment opportunities in host communities.
Okojie further acknowledged the firm’s use of technology-driven solutions to improve efficiency and strengthen infrastructure security across operational areas.
Throughout the engagements, lawmakers repeatedly underscored the importance of fully implementing the Petroleum Industry Act, which restructured Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and introduced separate regulatory frameworks for the midstream and downstream segments.
The committee chairman stated that future oversight activities would focus on measurable results that directly impact Nigerians, including improved energy availability, affordable cooking gas and enhanced industrial productivity.
He assured stakeholders that both operators and regulators would be held accountable to established standards while investments capable of driving growth and improving service delivery would be encouraged.
In a communiqué issued after the Port Harcourt retreat, the committee reaffirmed its constitutional oversight responsibility and pledged to translate recommendations from the meetings into practical legislative actions.
The lawmakers added that outcomes from the retreats would influence future hearings, policy reviews and legislative initiatives aimed at creating a more transparent, efficient and investor-friendly midstream petroleum sector.
