Group Berates Benue Lawmaker Over ‘False Allegations’ Against NNPCL, NMDPRA

The Energy Transparency Initiative (ETI) has expressed dismay over the recent statements credited to the Deputy Spokesman of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, concerning the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The group, in a statement by its convener, Ganzallo Gbenga, and programme officer, Chinelo Ochiaga, said the allegations by Agbese that the NNPCL and NMDPRA were involved in a deliberate attempt to undermine the Dangote Refinery, was an affront on the House of Representatives.

They noted that such remarks were not only misleading but also demonstrated a concerning departure from his responsibilities as a federal lawmaker.

“While we are not willing to be mouthpiece of both regulatory authorities, being accused by Mr Agbese, we cannot but remind Nigerians that as an organization with over a decade of involvement in series of advocacy on transparency and accountability in the sector, we have full knowledge of issues that are responsible for the recent dispute between Dangote Refinery and the regulatory authorities.

“It is troubling that Agbese has chosen to abandon his duty as a representative of the people and instead assumed the role of an advocate for the Dangote Refinery.

“His position should obligate him to act impartially, especially in matters involving multiple stakeholders. By aligning himself so closely with a single business interest, he undermines the very essence of his role as an unbiased arbitrator within any relevant committee.

“In the House of Reps, his voice has never been heard, no bills sponsored, no motions moved and has also not carried out empowerment to his Constituency.

“Agbese’s actions reveal a troubling pattern of prioritizing the interests of a single entity over the broader collective welfare of Nigerians. The Dangote refinery, while a significant player in the industry, represents individual business interests that do not necessarily align with the national interest.

“The apparent bias demonstrated by Agbese risks neglecting the broader implications of the refinery’s operations on the general populace and undermines the regulatory framework designed to ensure fair play and transparency.

“It is imperative to remind the lawmaker that his call for the dismissal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL and the Authority Chief Executive of NMDPRA is not only misplaced but lacks merit.

“We had expected all parties involved in this NNPCL and Dangote feud to maintain their silence but were shocked to realise that Agbese who’s a member of the committee set up by the House to investigate surrounding allegations chose to take a side and has made statement that are uncalled for,” they stated.

The Energy Transparency Initiative said Agbese needed to be schooled on how both the NNPCL and NMDPRA work and not dabble into affairs that are beyond his level of understanding.

“The agencies targeted for blackmail and pecuniary gains by Agbese and his team have outlived governments and individuals and will continue to do so continue, no matter the corporate or legislative blackmail.

“The oil and gas sector business is too sophisticated a knowledge for Agbese to understand and meddle into. We urge him to immediately resign his position as the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives.

“He can also choose to apply for employment in NNPCL if he choses to defend them, especially now that the recruitment exercise is ongoing.

“We call on the leadership of the House of Representatives to address this matter with the seriousness it deserves. It is crucial that members of the House focus on their legislative duties and refrain from interfering in regulatory issues they do not fully understand.

“This will ensure that the integrity of the legislative process is maintained and that public trust is upheld,” it said.

The Energy Transparency Initiative urged the House leadership to rein in Agbese and his associates.

“Their current approach not only jeopardizes the effective functioning of regulatory bodies but also risks undermining the efforts to achieve transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector.

“We further implore all stakeholders to remain vigilant and uphold the principles of fairness and transparency.

“The progress of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector depends on the collective efforts of all parties involved, and it is imperative that individual agendas do not derail this important endeavour.

“The Energy Transparency Initiative shall remain committed to advocating for due process, transparency, and security in the oil and gas sector.

“We will continue to monitor developments and ensure that all actions and policies are aligned with the national interest, free from undue influence or partisan agendas,” they stated.