Prominent figures from Nigeria’s oil and gas sector-including legislators, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders-are preparing to gather in Abuja for the inaugural House Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) Week. This pioneering event aims to ignite comprehensive discussions that will influence the strategic trajectory of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry.
The opening ceremony will be led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen. Distinguished attendees anticipated at the event include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Farouk Ahmed-the Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)-as well as Gbenga Komolafe, Director-General of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Additionally, key stakeholders from both governmental and private sectors will participate, such as Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); alongside representatives from influential labor unions including the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the Refinery Owners Association, and leading petroleum marketers.
Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), described the week-long gathering as “Nigeria’s premier convergence of key stakeholders in the downstream petroleum sector.” He highlighted that the event provides a unique platform for lawmakers, regulators, and investors to engage in meaningful policy discussions, clarify regulatory frameworks, and explore collaborative ventures.
Ugochinyere emphasized that the initiative is strategically designed to tackle pressing challenges impacting the sector’s stability, operational efficiency, and attractiveness to investors, while also celebrating the progress achieved to date.
“This forum cultivates shared understanding by bringing together legislators, regulators, and investors to harmonize policies and innovations that will shape the future of the downstream industry,” he stated.
“Our goal is to recognize excellence, confront current obstacles decisively, and develop sustainable strategies that promote growth and security within the sector.”
The program features a series of technical workshops, exhibitions, and focused dialogues involving operators and marketers. The week will culminate in a formal gala dinner and an awards ceremony honoring outstanding contributions to the industry.
Ugochinyere further noted that this event, organized in collaboration with key industry partners, reflects the House of Representatives’ dedication to enhancing cooperation and ensuring the downstream sector remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic development, employment generation, and energy stability.
“Our vision is to proactively shape the downstream petroleum industry of tomorrow,” he affirmed. “The insights generated here will drive policy reforms, influence investment strategies, and strengthen public-private partnerships.”
Looking ahead, the House Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) Week is envisioned as an annual forum where stakeholders can evaluate progress, exchange knowledge, and coordinate efforts to sustain the dynamic growth of Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector.