Legislative Oversight of the Petroleum Sector: The Role of the National Assembly in Nigeria’s Post-PIA Regulatory Landscape

This study evaluates the role of Nigeria's National Assembly in exercising legislative oversight over the petroleum sector following the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021. Parliamentary oversight of petroleum governance is critical in resource-dependent democracies to prevent regulatory capture and ensure public accountability. Using a qualitative institutional analysis approach, the research reviews House of Representatives and Senate committee reports, public hearing proceedings, and legislative motions related to petroleum sector governance from 2021 to 2024. Interviews are conducted with four current or former lawmakers and three petroleum policy researchers. Findings suggest that the National Assembly's oversight function is constrained by limited technical expertise among committee members, inadequate research support, and political interference from executive petroleum interests. The study recommends formalising a dedicated petroleum sector oversight unit within the National Assembly supported by independent expert advisers and transparent public reporting requirements. Keywords: National Assembly, legislative oversight, petroleum sector, PIA 2021, Nigeria.