Senate vows to tackle challenges in downstream oil sector

Worried by the endless challenges militating against the downstream oil sector of the economy, the Nigerian Senate through its committee on Petroleum (Downstream) expressed its commitment to tackle challenges.

Trouble shooting efforts in this direction by the committee, was disclosed by its Chairman, Senator Kawu Sumaila (Kano South) in a personally signed statement and made available to journalists in Abuja.

The Committee chairman in the statement said the trouble shooting efforts being made were pursuant to resolutions from its recent retreat and in line with its Strategic Action Work plan.

He specifically stated that investigative hearing shall be carried out by the committee to dissect all the problems and proffer solutions to them.

The statement reads: “The Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum, pursuant to the resolutions of its recent Retreat and in line with its Strategic Action Work plan (Q4 2025 – Q4 2026), hereby resolve to undertake a comprehensive investigative hearing on the current challenges in the downstream petroleum sector.

“This investigative hearing has become imperative in view of—( i) The lingering concerns surrounding the operations of private refineries, government-owned refineries and independent marketers.

Kawu said the Committee will get involved in handling disputes involving the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and other labour stakeholders

He said, allegations relating to crude oil supply obligations, regulatory overlaps, labour rights disputes, transparency, and competitiveness within the sector will also be looked into, adding that the Committee is committed to providing a fair, transparent, and inclusive platform where all stakeholders—including private refinery owners, government refineries, labour unions, regulators, civil society groups, and other interested parties—will be given the opportunity to present their positions, raise concerns, and make submissions.

“The outcome of this investigative hearing will guide the Senate in re-shaping the roles of the regulatory agencies in resolving the industrial disputes, understanding the future of the Nigerian downstream sector under the PIA.

“Addressing the concerns of the independent petroleum marketers.

“Addressing systemic bottlenecks in the downstream sector, strengthening legislative and oversight measures.

“Safeguarding workers’ rights while promoting industrial harmony and
Enhancing Nigeria’s energy security, transparency, and competitiveness”, he said