Reps Affirm NMDPRA’s Authority To Issue Gas Distribution Licences

The House of Representatives has reaffirmed the statutory authority of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to grant and regulate gas distribution licences, following the dismissal of a petition challenging licences issued to NIPCO Plc.

The House Sub-Committee on the petition concerning NIPCO Plc dismissed the petition filed by the Nigerian Energy Security Watch Group (NESWG), which sought an investigation, suspension and cancellation of gas distribution licences granted to the company.

The licences cover Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun states, as well as the Lagos and Lekki Free Trade Zones.

The Sub-Committee, chaired by Hon. Peter Aniekwe, with Hon. Dahaltu Shehu as a member, announced its decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, after resolving that the petition lacked substance and supporting evidence.

Speaking after the sitting, Aniekwe said the petitioners failed to establish their allegations against NIPCO, noting that their claims were largely based on hearsay.

“At its sitting today, the Sub-Committee resolved not to proceed with the investigation, and the petition is accordingly dismissed,” he said.

The lawmaker stressed that the authority to grant and regulate gas distribution licences rests with the NMDPRA under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

“The grant and regulation of gas distribution licences is a statutory function of the NMDPRA under the Petroleum Industry Act, and the National Assembly will continue to exercise its oversight of that process in the public interest,” Aniekwe stated.

He disclosed that the NMDPRA had committed to completing and rolling out gas distribution licensing in the fourth quarter of 2026.

According to him, the Sub-Committee will closely monitor the process to ensure that the country’s gas market remains open, competitive and safe.

“Nigerians deserve a gas market that is open, competitive and safe, and investors deserve rules that are clear and stable,” he said.

Aniekwe also assured Nigerians and organisations that the House of Representatives would continue to consider genuine concerns about the gas sector, adding that its doors remained open to petitions from members of the public.

The Sub-Committee was constituted in October 2026 to examine the petition and was granted an additional 14 days on October 26 to conclude its assignment.

The dismissal brings the petition seeking the cancellation of NIPCO’s gas distribution licences before the Sub-Committee to an end.