THE NIGERIAN SENATE CRIES OUT OVER THE INFLOW OF SUBSTANDARD PETROL AND DIESEL INTO NIGERIA

Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong noted that on June 16, 2024, a report disclosed that refineries exported 12 diesel cargoes totaling 660 kilotons of diesel to offshore Lome, Togo, for subsequent distribution to West African markets, primarily Nigeria.

This is a matter of urgent national importance. He said that the aforementioned diesel’s flash and sulphur levels fell short of Nigeria’s requirements.

Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong noted that on June 16, 2024, a report disclosed that refineries exported 12 diesel cargoes totaling 660 kilotons of diesel to offshore Lome, Togo, for subsequent distribution to West African markets, primarily Nigeria. This is a matter of urgent national importance.

He said that the aforementioned diesel’s flash and sulphur levels fell short of Nigeria’s requirements.

He also revealed that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has not been able to enforce adherence to the new criteria for diesel imports into Nigeria in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.

After that, the Senate established an ad hoc committee to look into the ongoing importation of dangerous petroleum products and the disposal of inferior diesel in Nigeria.

Once more, Ekpeyong said that even with adequate local manufacturing capacity, the NMDPRA had continued to grant import permits for diesel and jet.

The Upper Chamber said that individuals discovered responsible for the illegal act will be subject to the full force of the law, while the parliamentarians vented their frustration over what they saw as sabotage and a glaring failure of the PIA’s objectives.