By George Ozalla
The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream) has vowed to intensify legislative oversight of Nigeria’s midstream petroleum sector, with a renewed focus on energy security, domestic gas utilisation, accountability and effective implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The commitment was made during two legislative retreats held by the committee at Best Western Plus Elomaz Hotel, Asaba, Delta State, on August 17 and 18, 2026, where members examined challenges confronting the midstream sector and considered measures to strengthen parliamentary oversight of operators and regulatory agencies.
Speaking at the retreat, a member of the committee and representative of Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, Hon. Peter Udeogalanya Aniekwe (Macpee), said the committee would no longer rely solely on reports and presentations from operators and regulators in carrying out its oversight responsibilities.
Aniekwe said lawmakers must engage directly with petroleum facilities and stakeholders to gain a clearer understanding of the challenges affecting the sector and assess the level of compliance with existing laws and regulations.
He said the committee would adopt a more proactive approach to monitoring activities in the midstream sector, strengthen enforcement of the Petroleum Industry Act and promote greater transparency and accountability among operators and regulators.
According to him, the committee would also pay greater attention to the development and utilisation of Nigeria’s domestic gas resources, noting that effective utilisation of the country’s gas reserves remains important to improving energy security and supporting industrial development.
Experts who addressed the lawmakers identified inadequate infrastructure, insecurity affecting pipelines and petroleum facilities, regulatory disagreements, tariff concerns, vandalism and the slow pace of domestic gas utilisation as some of the major challenges limiting the growth of the midstream sector.
They described the midstream sector as a critical link in the oil and gas value chain, connecting production at the wellhead with markets, industries, homes and other consumers that depend on petroleum and gas resources.
The participants stressed that resolving the challenges affecting the sector would be essential to improving energy access, supporting industrial growth and ensuring a more reliable supply of petroleum products and gas across the country.
The committee’s position signals a stronger legislative approach to monitoring the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act and the operations of stakeholders within the midstream petroleum industry.
