By Yakubu Lawal
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‎The House of Representatives Sub-Committee investigating a petition against NIPCO Plc has dismissed the complaint on account of lack of evidence.
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‎The Committee ruled that the petitioners failed to substantiate allegations of wrongdoing in the award of gas distribution licences to the company by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
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‎The petition was filed by the Nigerian Energy Security Watch Group (NESWG), which sought the investigation, suspension and cancellation of the licences covering Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun states, as well as the Lagos and Lekki Free Trade Zones.
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‎The decision was taken at the Sub-Committee’s sitting on Thursday, which was chaired by Hon Peter Aniekwe, with Hon Dahaltu Shehu as member.
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‎The panel said the petition lacked substance and credible evidence, noting that the allegations presented by the petitioners were largely based on hearsay and were not sufficient to warrant a full investigation.
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‎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.
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‎Disclosing the decision, Aniekwe said: “At its sitting today, the Sub-Committee resolved not to proceed with the investigation, and the petition is accordingly dismissed.”
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‎He said the issuance and regulation of gas distribution licences remained a statutory responsibility of the NMDPRA under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
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‎According to him, the National Assembly would continue to exercise its oversight functions over the regulatory process in the public interest.
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‎“The grant and regulation of gas distribution licences is a statutory function of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority under the Petroleum Industry Act, and the National Assembly will continue to exercise its oversight of that process in the public interest,” he said.
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‎He also disclosed that the NMDPRA had committed to completing and rolling out its gas distribution licensing process in the fourth quarter of 2026.
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‎He said the Sub-Committee would continue to monitor the implementation of the licensing framework to ensure that the emerging gas market remained transparent, competitive and safe.
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‎The lawmaker emphasised that the dismissal of the petition did not shut the door on legitimate concerns about the gas sector, assuring Nigerians and relevant organisations that the House remained open to petitions supported by credible facts and evidence.
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‎He said every petition brought before the House would continue to be considered on its merits.
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‎The decision effectively brings the Sub-Committee’s consideration of the NESWG petition to an end, while leaving the NMDPRA to continue with its statutory regulatory responsibilities over gas distribution licensing.