Senate to tackle challenges in downstream oil sector

The Senate through its committee on Petroleum (Downstream) stated in Abuja, Thursday, its readiness to tackle challenges confronting the downstream petroleum sector.

Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Kawu Sumaila (APC-Kano ) made this known in a statement to newsmen in Abuja.

He said that the trouble shooting efforts being made were pursuant to resolutions from its recent retreat and in line with its Strategic Action Work plan.

Sumaila specifically stated that investigative hearing shall be carried out by the committee to dissect all the problems and proffer solutions to them.

The statement reads: ” The Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum, pursuant to the resolutions of its recent retreat and in line with its Strategic Action Work plan (Q4 2025 – Q4 2026) resolved as follows.

“To undertake a comprehensive investigative hearing on the current challenges in the downstream petroleum sector.

“This investigative hearing has become imperative in view of the lingering concerns surrounding the operations of private refineries, government-owned refineries and independent marketers.

“Ongoing disputes involving the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and other labour stakeholders.

“Allegations relating to crude oil supply obligations, regulatory overlaps, labour rights disputes, transparency and competitiveness within the sector”.

He explained that the committee is committed to providing a fair, transparent and inclusive platform for all stakeholders.

“Stakeholders including private refinery owners, government refineries, labour unions, regulators, civil society groups, and other interested parties will be given the opportunity to present their positions, raise concerns and make submissions.

“The outcome of this investigative hearing will guide the Senate in reshaping the roles of the regulatory agencies in resolving the industrial disputes, understanding the future of the Nigerian downstream sector under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)”.