The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has inaugurated an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate compliance with decommissioning and abandonment regulations across Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Speaker said the probe had become necessary to ensure strict adherence to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), especially on environmental protection, host community welfare, and lifecycle management of oil and gas assets.
Tajudeen noted that the assignment carries “wide-ranging implications for host communities, our environment, and the credibility of our regulatory institutions.” He said the committee would review operators’ decommissioning plans, assess their compliance with statutory obligations, and confirm whether adequate financial provisions have been made to prevent future environmental or operational liabilities.
“This work demands close attention to detail, strong knowledge of the relevant laws, and independence of judgment,” he stated, pledging the full support of the House and urging all stakeholders to cooperate fully.
During the inauguration of the investigative hearing, the Chairman of the Committee,Bassey Ekpenyong issued a summons to the Managing Directors of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). This followed the failure of their representatives to provide essential documents requested by the committee.
The Akiba-led committee directed both Managing Directors to appear before it on Wednesday, adding that if they are unable to attend in person, they must formally delegate competent representatives with full authority to speak and submit required documentation.
Ekpenyong described the assignment as a matter of national importance, stressing that abandoned or poorly decommissioned oil and gas facilities—many far beyond their design life—pose serious risks, including environmental degradation, economic loss, community conflict, and safety hazards.
He emphasized that the PIA established clear obligations for responsible asset stewardship, lifecycle planning, decommissioning fund contribution, safe facility retirement, and environmental remediation.
He further disclosed that the committee would engage with NUPRC and NMDPRA as primary regulators, as well as operators, licensees, host communities, environmental and safety experts, civil society, academia, and financial specialists handling decommissioning funds.
“Our approach will be fair, professional, evidence-driven, and transparent. This is not an adversarial inquiry—it is a national responsibility to protect our environment, safeguard our economy, and uphold the rule of law in line with the PIA,” he said.
Ekpenyong assured that the committee understands the expectations of Nigerians and is committed to delivering on its mandate.
