The Nigerian Senate has sounded an alarm regarding the influx of substandard Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) or diesel, into the country’s market.

During a session on Wednesday, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong raised a matter of urgent national importance, revealing that on June 16, 2024, a report disclosed the export of 12 diesel cargoes totaling 660 kilotons from refineries to offshore Lome, Togo, destined primarily for the Nigerian market. He highlighted that the quality of this diesel was below Nigerian standards, particularly concerning flash and sulfur levels.

Ekpeyong pointed out that despite the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) recently revising diesel importation standards in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021, the agency has been ineffective in enforcing these standards.

In response, the Senate has established an ad-hoc committee to investigate the continued importation of substandard petroleum products and the dumping of hazardous diesel into Nigeria. Ekpeyong also noted that the NMDPRA has continued issuing import licenses for diesel and jet fuel, despite the country’s sufficient local production capacity.

Lawmakers expressed their outrage, describing the situation as sabotage and a failure to meet the objectives of the Petroleum Industry Act. They emphasized that individuals found culpable in the illicit activities must face legal consequences.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported the views of other lawmakers, suggesting that issues raised within the PIA should be reviewed to clarify records rather than targeting any individual.

The ad-hoc committee, chaired by the Senate leader, has been given three weeks to report back to the Senate with their findings.

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