Borno lawmaker, Dr Midala Usman Balami
The member representing Askira- Uba/ Hawul Federal Constituency in Borno State, Hon. Dr Midala Balami has called for a thorough investigation over the brewing dispute between Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Speaking to Journalists in Maiduguri after Tuesday plenary where the Lawmaker actively participated and deliberated over the matter at the floor of the Green Chamber, Hon. Balami lamented that the perceived arbitrary grant of petroleum product importation licences despite improved local refining capacity at the Dangote Refinery, allegations of corruption against the NMDPRA Chief Executive, disagreements over Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) pricing benchmarks, and the risk of a potential fuel crisis during the yuletide season and beyond is unacceptable to mankind.
He also revealed that himself and many of his colleagues expressed concern that the unresolved dispute could escalate into supply disruptions, price volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and loss of investor confidence, despite the strategic importance of the Dangote Refinery to Nigeria’s energy security and foreign exchange conservation.
His words: “At Tuesday plenary session (16th December 2025), I invoked Order 8 Rule 5 and sought the permission of the House to suspend the relevant rules in order to move a Motion of Urgent Public Importance on the need to investigate the brewing dispute between the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Dangote Refinery.
“The motion drew attention to the perceived arbitrary grant of petroleum product importation licences despite improved local refining capacity, allegations of corruption against the NMDPRA Chief Executive, disagreements over PMS pricing benchmarks, and the risk of a potential fuel crisis during the yuletide season and beyond.
“The House noted its constitutional powers under Sections 88 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to conduct investigations, as well as the mandate of NMDPRA under Section 29 (3) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
“Members expressed concern that the unresolved dispute could escalate into supply disruptions, price volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and loss of investor confidence, despite the strategic importance of the Dangote Refinery to Nigeria’s energy security and foreign exchange conservation.
“Consequently, the House resolved to mandate a Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream and Downstream) to investigate the dispute, engage relevant stakeholders, address the issues involved, and report back to the House within four (4) weeks, with the aim of averting a fuel crisis and safeguarding national energy security, consumer interests, and domestic refining investments”. Balami stated.
