The House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) has urged the federal government to provide increased funding to the Nigeria Police Force to enable it to carry out its constitutional responsibilities more effectively.
The call was made on Thursday during a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, by the committee’s chairman, Mr. Ikenga Ugochinyere, in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Ugochinyere described the meeting as strategic and historic, noting the central role of the downstream petroleum sector in driving the nation’s economy.
“Every litre of petrol delivered to rural communities, every tanker secured on our highways, every depot protected from sabotage directly contributes to economic stability, social order, and national confidence,” Ugochinyere said.
“At the heart of this stability is the Nigerian Police Force, and we commend the leadership for their dedication.”
He further emphasized that proper funding of the police is essential for national security, adding that the committee is committed to advocating for increased operational resources.
Ugochinyere also proposed the creation of a Special Petroleum Downstream Desk within the police force to enhance collaboration with stakeholders in the sector.
“The desk would serve as a structural coordination point between the police, regulators, House committees, and key operators in the downstream industry.
”It is critical considering the substantial investments in refineries, gas plants, petrol stations, and storage systems,” he said.
Responding, I-G Egbetokun praised the committee for the visit and recognized the importance of supporting the police in safeguarding critical national infrastructure, particularly in the petroleum sector.
He highlighted the force’s intensified intelligence-led policing, strengthened interagency cooperation, and rapid response mechanisms aimed at protecting pipelines and other oil and gas assets.
“The protection of these assets is not merely about installations—they are vital arteries of national stability,” Egbetokun noted.
“As the security landscape becomes more complex, continuous innovation and legislative support for funding security agencies are indispensable.”
The meeting ended with a mutual commitment to enhancing the partnership between the police and the downstream petroleum sector to ensure the safety and stability of Nigeria’s critical energy infrastructure.
