Reps Panel Dismisses Petition Against NIPCO Gas Distribution Licence
The House of Representatives Sub-Committee on the Petition concerning NIPCO Plc has dismissed the petition by the Nigerian Energy Security Watch Group (NESWG) which sought the investigation, suspension and cancellation of the gas distribution licences issued by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to NIPCO Plc for Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun States and the Lagos and Lekki Free Trade Zones.
The Sub-Committee, chaired by Peter Aniekwe and Dahaltu Shehu, resolved to dismiss the petition for lacking in substance and evidence. The committee held that the petitioners based their petition on hearsay information that could not prove any of their allegations.
The Sub committee was constituted in October 2026 to examine the petition, and was granted an extension of 14 days on 26th October 2026 to conclude its work.
Announcing the decision, Aniekwe said: “At its sitting today, the Sub-Committee resolved not to proceed with the investigation, and the petition is accordingly dismissed.”
He noted that the grant of gas distribution licences rests with the regulator under the Petroleum Industry Act. “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 said the NMDPRA has committed to complete and roll out gas distribution licensing in the fourth quarter of 2026, and that the Sub-Committee will follow the roll-out closely. “Nigerians deserve a gas market that is open, competitive and safe, and investors deserve rules that are clear and stable.”
He added that the doors of the House of Representatives remain open to every Nigerian and organisation with genuine concerns about the gas sector, and that every petition will be considered on its merits.
