…credits improved security for rising crude output, pushes for stronger laws to protect local refineries
By Gloria Ikibah 
The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has called on the Federal Government to increase funding for pipeline surveillance, expressing confidence that Nigeria can achieve its target of producing three million barrels of crude oil per day.
The committee said the recent rise in crude oil output and supply reflected improvements in pipeline surveillance and security, stressing that sustained investment in the sector would help the country maximise its petroleum resources.
The committee’s chairman, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, made the call on Monday during the technical briefing of Downstream Week 2026 in Abuja.
Ugochinyere attributed a “very significant increase” in crude oil output and supply this year largely to improved surveillance and security operations.
“Fewer breaches mean less crude lost, more product for our refineries, and more revenue for the Federation,” he said.
Reviewing the outcomes of the technical session, the committee commended pipeline surveillance contractors for their efforts but maintained that more could be achieved with adequate government support.
It urged the Executive to increase funding for pipeline surveillance in view of the gains recorded, while calling for the timely release of funds and logistics to operators responsible for protecting the country’s oil infrastructure.
According to the committee, delays in providing the necessary resources could weaken vigilance and undermine efforts to prevent pipeline breaches.
It expressed confidence that Nigeria will “no doubt” achieve its three-million-barrel-per-day production target if pipeline surveillance operators received timely logistics and full support from the Federal Government.
The committee also raised concerns about the availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, saying reliable feedstock was essential to sustaining local refining and strengthening energy security.
Ugochinyere said the committee was working on legislation to address the problem, warning that “a refinery without reliable crude is an investment at risk”.
He said the proposed legislative measures would guarantee crude supply, fair market access and a stable policy environment for local refiners.
The chairman disclosed that the committee, working with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), had also overseen the development of a framework for a regulated petroleum import market.
The framework defines who can import petroleum products and the conditions under which imports would be permitted.
He stressed that imports remained necessary to address genuine supply gaps but must not undermine domestic production.
“Our goal is balance: security of supply today, and a strong domestic refining industry for tomorrow,” Ugochinyere said.
The committee said its efforts were aimed at improving crude oil production, strengthening pipeline security, ensuring reliable feedstock for local refineries and establishing a more sustainable downstream petroleum sector.
