The Senate has raised an alarm over the influx of substandard petrol and diesel into the Nigerian market.

In a matter of urgent national importance, SENATOR ASUQUO EKPEYONG, observed that on June 16, 2024, a report revealed that 12 diesel cargoes conveying a total of 660 kilotons of diesel, were exported by refineries to offshore Lome, Togo for further distribution to West African markets, mainly Nigeria.

According to him, the quality of the said diesel was below the Nigerian standard in terms of flash and Sulphur levels.

He further disclosed that; even though the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority recently revised the standards of diesel importation into Nigeria it has been incapable of enforcing compliance with the standards. 

The Senate then set up an ad-hoc committee, to launch an investigation into the continued importation of hazardous petroleum products and dumping of substandard diesel into Nigeria.

The Adhoc committee to investigate the allegation, chaired by the Senate leader, has been given three weeks to report back to the house.