Group accuses MP Agbese of making false claims against NNPC, NMDPRA

A group, the Energy Transparency Initiative (ETI) has slammed the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, over what it called false claims against the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The group expressed concern over Agbese’s recent remarks regarding NNPCL and NMDPRA.

Regulators and national oil companies have recently clashed with Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, owner of the Dangote Refinery, accusing the private refinery of producing low-quality fuel and seeking to monopolise Nigeria’s fuel supply.

Meanwhile, Dangote has denied the allegations, and accused government agencies of thwarting government efforts to ease the burden of fuel shortages in the country.

ETI while reacting to the ripple effects that have followed the spat in a statement by its coordinator, Ganzallo Gbenga, and programme officer, Chinelo Ochiaga, said Agbese’s allegation that NNPCL and NMDPRA were involved in a deliberate attempt to damage the Dangote refinery, was an affront to the House.

They noted that the statement was not only misleading but also showed a worrying departure from his responsibilities as a federal parliamentarian.

“While we do not wish to be a second mouthpiece for the regulatory authorities, as alleged by Mr Agbese, we cannot but remind Nigerians that as an organisation that has been involved for over a decade in a series of advocacy on transparency and accountability in the sector, we have full understanding of the various issues that have led to the current standoff between the Dangote Refinery and the regulatory authorities.

“It is disturbing that Agbese has chosen to ignore his duties as a people’s representative and instead assume the role of a Dangote refinery supporter.

“His position should require him to act impartially, especially in matters involving multiple stakeholders. By aligning himself so closely with one business interest, he undermines the essence of his role as an impartial arbiter on any relevant committee.

“In the DPR, his voice was never heard, no bills were submitted, no proposals were put forward, and he also did not carry out empowerment in his electoral district.

“Agbese’s actions reveal a disturbing pattern of prioritizing the interests of one entity over the collective well-being of the wider Nigerian people. Dangote Refinery, while a significant player in the industry, represents individual business interests that are not always aligned with the national interest.

“The apparent bias demonstrated by Agbese risks ignoring the broader implications of refinery operations on the general public and undermines the regulatory framework designed to ensure fairness and transparency.

“It is important to remind the lawmakers that their call for the removal of the Managing Director of NNPCL Group and the Managing Director of NMDPRA Authority is not only misguided but also baseless.

“We expected all parties involved in the NNPCL-Dangote feud to remain silent, but we were shocked to learn that Agbese, a member of the committee set up by the House of Representatives to investigate the allegations surrounding him, was taking sides and making unnecessary statements.”

The Energy Transparency Initiative said Agbese needed to be educated on how NNPCL and NMDPRA work and not interfere in matters beyond his literacy level.

The group noted that the era where Agbese blackmailed public institutions will not work with government institutions because they will not give in to such a thing.

“We urge the DPR leadership to take this matter with the seriousness it deserves. It is critical that DPR members focus on their legislative duties and refrain from interfering in regulatory matters they do not fully understand.

“This will ensure the integrity of the legislative process is maintained and public trust is maintained,” he said.

The Energy Transparency Initiative urges House leaders to rein in Agbese and his colleagues.

“Their current approach not only jeopardizes the effective functioning of regulatory bodies but also risks undermining efforts to achieve transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector.

“We also appeal to all stakeholders to remain vigilant and uphold the principles of justice and transparency.

“The progress of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector depends on the collective efforts of all parties involved, and it is imperative that individual agendas do not derail these vital efforts.”

Group accuses lawmaker Agbese of false claims against NNPC, NMDPRA first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.