July 25, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Senate has assured Nigerians that it would expose saboteurs in the nation’s petroleum industry and those responsible for the importation of toxic fuel into the country.
Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, the Senate Majority Leader, who is also the chairman of the 15-member ad-hoc committee, stressed that the roots of sabotage in Nigeria’s petroleum industry would have been unravelled by the time the committee finished its assignment.
The committee was constituted to investigate the alleged economic sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry.
THEWILL recalls that Asuquo Ekpenyong, the Cross River South Senatorial District lawmaker, had moved a motion concerning alleged economic sabotage in the petroleum industry. This came on the heels of accusations by the management of Dangote Refinery that International Oil Companies (IOCs), in Nigeria were doing everything to frustrate the company’s survival.
Raising concerns over the state of the three national refineries in the country, Bamidele said the committee would spread its tentacles across every facet of the Nigerian petroleum industry.
“In line with our mandate, we will definitely unravel the roots of economic sabotage in Nigeria’s petroleum industry and make necessary recommendations that will entrench global best practices in the industry and open it up for more investments, especially in the midstream and downstream sectors”, he said.
Bamidele, however, emphasised that the ad-hoc committee was not set up to witch-hunt any individual or group of people, or corporation, but rather to find a lasting solution to problems besetting the sector.
While seeking the cooperation of stakeholders in the petroleum industry, Bamidele disclosed that public hearings will be held from September 10 to 12, 2024.
“The sessions will enable us to engage directly with key actors in the petroleum industry and unravel those behind the illicit practice of importing hazardous and substandard petroleum products into the country contrary to established protocols and standards. After the public hearing, the committee will go into close sessions during which we consider all the submissions from the key actors, draft our report and the eventual adoption of the report”, he said.
Speaking further, Bamidele stressed the committee, along with Nigerians, is particularly interested in understanding why local refineries are not working despite the substantial amounts of money spent annually on their maintenance and operations.
“It is pertinent to note that in the course of interactions with the identified stakeholders, the Ad-Hoc Committee will visit any of their facilities that it deems necessary, especially the state-owned refineries, to ascertain their status, considering the huge funds already invested in their various Turn Around Maintenances-year in, year out-without any meaningful result.
“We will closely examine what the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), has been doing to address this persistent problem.
“Additionally, the Committee will meet with stakeholders in their various zones to gather localised insights and feedback. To ensure broad participation and transparency, the Committee will create a platform for the general public and stakeholders to submit memoranda before the public hearings.
“Our investigation seeks to identify and hold accountable all parties involved in the importation and distribution of the adulterated Petroleum Products (PMS and AGO).
This includes suppliers, importers, regulatory bodies, and any other entities that may have contributed to this serious lapse in quality control.
“We will conduct a thorough review of current regulatory frameworks and procedures to identify deficiencies and recommend necessary reforms to prevent such occurrences in the future. The Committee is committed to ensuring the highest standards of fuel quality for the Nigerian market”, he said.
