A Senate committee has rejected records submitted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) concerning the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, and summoned officials of the agency to provide further clarification.

The committee’s decision comes amid growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s petrol importation figures, regulatory approvals and the role of imported products in meeting domestic fuel demand.

The disagreement centres on the information supplied by the petroleum regulator, with lawmakers seeking more satisfactory explanations regarding the volumes of petrol imported into the country and the records supporting the figures presented.

The committee is expected to question the relevant agency officials on the discrepancies identified in the submitted documents and obtain a clearer account of the regulatory process governing petrol imports.

The development comes amid an ongoing national debate over fuel imports, local refining capacity and the distribution of petroleum products in Nigeria.

The NMDPRA has continued to play a central role in regulating the downstream petroleum sector, including the issuance of import permits and monitoring the availability of petroleum products.

The issue has attracted heightened attention following increased domestic refining activity and disagreements among industry stakeholders over whether petrol imports remain necessary to meet national demand.

The Senate’s intervention is expected to provide lawmakers with additional information for their oversight responsibilities and help establish greater transparency in the management of petroleum import records.