The Senate ad-hoc committee has announced its intention to investigate the continued failure of the nation’s refineries to commence operations despite significant annual funding and to expose those responsible for the importation of adulterated petroleum products.
Chairperson Opeyemi Bamidele provided these assurances during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday. The committee, formed on July 3, includes 15 members tasked with unraveling the circumstances surrounding the persistent importation of hazardous petroleum products by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In addition to Bamidele, the committee members include Asuquo Ekpeyong (Cross River), Abdullahi Yahaya (Kebbi), Tahir Monguno (Borno), Olamilekan Adeola (Ogun), Diket Plang (Plateau), Abdul Ningi (Bauchi), Khabeeb Mustapha (Jigawa), Ipalibo Banigo (Rivers), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos), Osita Izunaso (Imo), Sahabi Ya’u (Zamfara), Olajide Ipinsagba (Ondo), and Ekong Sampson (Akwa-Ibom).
Bamidele emphasized the committee’s commitment to identifying and holding accountable all parties involved in the importation and distribution of adulterated petroleum products, including suppliers, importers, regulatory bodies, and other entities that may have contributed to the lapse in quality control.
“Our investigation seeks to identify and hold accountable all parties involved in the importation and distribution of 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,” he stated.
The committee’s mandate follows recent accusations by Dangote Oil Refinery’s management that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has been indiscriminately granting licenses to marketers to import substandard refined products into the country. This allegation has been denied by the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria.
The contaminated fuel has not only damaged vehicles but also caused significant economic sabotage to Nigeria’s petroleum industry. Bamidele confirmed that the committee would engage critical stakeholders and regulatory bodies to uncover the truth and identify those responsible.
In addition to addressing the importation of adulterated fuel, the committee will also investigate why the nation’s refineries have failed to commence operations despite the substantial funds allocated to them annually. The panel will engage with NNPCL management to determine the underlying reasons for the refineries’ inactivity.
This comprehensive investigation aims to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences of such significant lapses in the country’s petroleum sector.