Reps Dismisses Petition Against NIPCO Gas Licence Award

The House of Representatives has dismissed a petition seeking the cancellation of gas distribution licences awarded to NIPCO Plc by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), ruling that the allegations against the company lacked sufficient evidence.

The decision was announced on Thursday, November 5, 2026, by the House Sub-Committee investigating the petition filed by the Nigerian Energy Security Watch Group (NESWG).

The petitioners had called for an investigation, suspension and cancellation of the licences granted to NIPCO for gas distribution operations across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun states, as well as the Lagos and Lekki Free Trade Zones.

However, Chairman of the Sub-Committee, Hon. Peter Aniekwe, said the committee resolved to dismiss the petition after establishing that the allegations were largely based on hearsay and were not supported by credible evidence.

He explained that the committee consequently decided not to proceed with the proposed investigation, stressing that the petition failed to establish sufficient grounds for further action against the company.

Aniekwe also clarified that the issuance and regulation of gas distribution licences fall within the statutory responsibilities of the NMDPRA under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

He noted that although the regulatory authority has the legal mandate to issue and regulate such licences, the National Assembly would continue to exercise its oversight responsibilities to ensure transparency, accountability and the protection of public interest.

The lawmaker further disclosed that the NMDPRA had committed to completing and rolling out its gas distribution licensing process in the fourth quarter of 2026.

He assured that the Sub-Committee would monitor the process to ensure that Nigeria’s emerging gas market remains open, competitive and safe, while providing investors with a stable and transparent regulatory environment.

The dismissal of the petition brings the committee’s consideration of the allegations against NIPCO to an end, while reaffirming the importance of credible evidence in legislative investigations.

Aniekwe also reiterated that the House of Representatives remains open to receiving genuine petitions from individuals and organisations, assuring that every complaint would be considered based on its merits.

The development is expected to provide further clarity on the regulatory framework governing gas distribution in Nigeria and strengthen confidence among investors and stakeholders in the country’s energy sector.