An investigation committee has been set up by the House of Representatives to address economic sabotage within the petroleum sector.
One noticeable absence from the committee membership is Ikenga Ugochinyere, the former ad-hoc chairman and current Chair of the House Committee on Upstream Petroleum.
Recently, the House dissolved the previous ad-hoc committee, which had been looking into issues concerning the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the unavailability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and other critical energy security matters.
The decision to disband the committee came after several controversies arose following its formation.
The previous ad-hoc committee, led by Ugochinyere, had called for the removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Mele Kyari.
Conversely, a group of 50 legislators, spearheaded by Billy Osawaru from Edo State, opposed Kyari’s ousting and argued that such a move would violate parliamentary norms while an investigation was ongoing.
During the announcement of the newly formed committee members on Friday, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, stressed the urgency and significance of the matter, underscoring the need for close coordination between the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Abbas stated, “The urgency and significance of this matter have required close cooperation between the Senate and the House of Representatives.”
The House leader, Julius Ihonvbere, was appointed as the Co-Chairman of the committee.
Other members include Hon. Iduma Ighariwey, Hon. Gboyega Isiaka, Hon. Sada Soli, Hon. Fatima Talba, Hon. Tunji Raheem, and Hon. Patrick Umoh.
The House spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, explained that the new committee structure aims to facilitate synergy, provide a comprehensive approach to addressing the issues, and streamline administrative coordination.
He also mentioned that the committee is set to commence its work promptly with a defined objective to ensure accountability and transparency in the sector.
Akin remarked, “This new structure is intended to promote synergy, provide a comprehensive approach to addressing the issues, and streamline administrative coordination, leading to a harmonious and efficient investigation.
“The committee’s immediate initiation of duties with a specific mandate to ensure accountability and transparency in the sector is anticipated.”