The Chairman of the Ad-hoc committee investigating alleged economic sabotage in the petroleum sector, Senator Michael Bamidele Opeyemi, has urged stakeholders to cease hostilities and cooperate with the Committee’s discreet investigation.
Opeyemi stated that the Committee will work in the country’s interest and assured stakeholders that no one is under trial.
The Committee’s investigation will focus on examining pre-shipment and pre-discharge standard test parameters, compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act, payments made to transporters, and the status of the 22 depots built by the defunct NNPC, according to Daily Post.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, assured the Committee of cooperation and requested that the proceedings be transmitted live on television for transparency.
The investigation aims to uncover loopholes and ensure accountability in the petroleum sector, with stakeholders including the Minister of Finance, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, and industry executives in attendance.
He said: “I urge all parties to set aside the ongoing accusations and counter-accusations as we embark on a journey towards uncovering the truth behind these matters of economic importance.
“This Ad-Hoc Committee was set up by the Senate out of genuine concern for the well-being of our nation. I, therefore, assure you that we are all committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation across all areas outlined in the Senate Resolution of 3rd July 2024.”
He added: “Determine the level of compliance of the NNPCL’s Direct Sale and Direct Purchase arrangements in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, including the extent of transparency and accountability in the scheme.
“Beam legislative searchlight on the activities of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, including payments made to transporters in the last 10 years.
”Enquire from the NNPCL the state/status of the 22 depots built by the defunct NNPC to eliminate road distribution of petroleum products.”
In his presentation, the Group Chief Executive Officer/CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari assured the Committee of cooperation, insisting that the Company does have a skeleton in its cupboard.
“He said: “Mr Chairman, we in the NNPCL are not criminals, we are not thieves as is portrayed in the media. The company belongs to over 250 million Nigerians and the company is our future; the company belongs to all Nigerians.”
