The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has welcomed the ongoing partnership between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, describing it as significant for Nigeria’s energy reforms.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Agbese said the operational progress at the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery signals a shift in Nigeria’s long-standing refining challenges.

“For years, the national discussion centred on refining gaps and fuel imports,” he said. “We are now seeing a large-scale facility designed to process 650,000 barrels per day, which has implications for energy supply and domestic capacity.”

The refinery, located in Lagos, is one of the largest single-train facilities of its kind globally. NNPC holds a 7.25 per cent equity stake in the project.

Agbese said the shareholding ensures public participation in the venture. According to him, the stake embeds national interest in the performance and expansion of the refinery.

He also commended the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, stating that coordination between public institutions and private investment is essential for reform outcomes.

Beyond fuel production, Agbese referenced the planned 400,000 metric tonne Linear Alkyl Benzene facility within the refinery complex. He noted that expansion into petrochemicals could support local manufacturing by supplying inputs used in detergents, plastics and other industrial goods.

He added that improved coordination across upstream production, gas supply, refining and petrochemicals would help address inefficiencies in the energy value chain.

According to the lawmaker, integrated energy operations could support wider sectors of the economy, including manufacturing and trade.

Agbese further stated that the House of Representatives would continue to support policies aimed at strengthening transparency and regulatory oversight within the sector.

The partnership between NNPC and the Dangote refinery forms part of broader efforts to reduce fuel imports and expand domestic processing capacity. Industry analysts say sustained collaboration and regulatory stability will be critical in determining its long-term impact on energy security and economic performance.