The Nigerian Senate has taken steps to mediate the ongoing dispute between the Dangote Group and petroleum sector regulators. This move aims to resolve the issue and ensure the operation of local refineries. Through its Ad-hoc Committee investigating alleged economic sabotage in the petroleum sector, the Senate has vowed to name and expose alleged saboteurs. The committee’s chairman, Bamidele Opeyemi, emphasized that the probe will be thorough and result-oriented.
Opeyemi assured that the Ad-hoc committee will not follow the pattern of previous Senate committees that investigated activities in the oil sector without tangible outcomes. He stressed that the committee would act in the public’s overriding interest. “We will do what we consider to be in the public’s overriding interest. The committee will have the courage to name violators, even if they are Senators. We will do this without fear or favor, and there shall be no sacred cows,” Opeyemi stated.
The ongoing accusations between Dangote and regulators are among the primary issues the committee will address. Opeyemi mentioned that the committee has written to all relevant stakeholders in the sector, requesting documents before the public hearing scheduled for September 10 to September 12, 2024.
Opeyemi, who is also the Senate leader, said the investigation would identify and hold accountable all parties involved in the importation and distribution of adulterated petroleum products. This includes suppliers, importers, regulatory bodies, and any other entities that may have contributed to quality control lapses. “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 added.
The Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Petroleum Industry has assured the public of its dedication to the investigation. Opeyemi emphasized that the committee would pursue the probe with diligence and integrity. “We are dedicated to safeguarding the interests of all Nigerians and restoring confidence in our energy sector,” he stressed.
He clarified that the investigation is not intended to witch-hunt any individual, group, or corporation but rather to find a lasting solution for Nigeria’s collective mutual gains. The committee’s terms of reference include examining the pre-shipment and pre-discharge standard test parameters adopted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority. The goal is to uncover any loopholes that allow toxic cargoes into the country.
The committee will also determine the compliance level of the NNPCL’s Direct Sale and Direct Purchase (DSP) arrangements with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, focusing on transparency and accountability. Additionally, the committee will scrutinize the activities of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), including payments made to transporters over the last ten years. They will also inquire from the NNPCL about the state and status of the 22 depots built by the defunct NNPC to eliminate road distribution of petroleum products.
To fulfill its mandate, the committee plans to engage with various entities, including the Minister of State for Petroleum, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA). Others include the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Navy, international oil companies (IOCs), Dangote Group, Capital Oil, and modular refineries.
The committee was established by the Senate on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, following a resolution adopted after an exhaustive debate on a motion sponsored by Senator Azuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South. The motion addressed the importation of hazardous products and the dumping of substandard diesel into Nigeria.
The committee has warned that it will issue warrants of arrest against any agency that fails to comply with its summons. Members of the committee include Asuquo Ekpenyong, Abdullahi Yahaya, Mohammed Monguno, Adeola Olamilekan, Diket Plang, Harry Banigo, Khabeeb Mustapha, Adams Oshiomhole, Jonah Eteng, Adetokunbo Abiru, Osita Izunaso, Sahabi Ya’u, Alhaji Abdul Ningi, and Ifeanyi Ubah.
