Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on the ad hoc committee investigating economic sabotage in Nigeria’s petroleum sector to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the malpractices. The committee was inaugurated following alarming reports of hazardous petroleum products and substandard diesel entering the Nigerian market.
Akpabio emphasized the critical nature of the investigation, describing it as a “rescue mission” vital for the country’s future. He urged the committee to conduct a comprehensive probe, collaborating with relevant agencies, industry experts, and stakeholders to identify the perpetrators, their methods, and their networks.
“The integrity and prosperity of Nigeria depend on our ability to safeguard our petroleum industry,” Akpabio said. “Your mandate is to conduct a thorough investigation, leaving no stone unturned.”
In addition to this Senate initiative, the House of Representatives has also launched a forensic investigation into the importation of adulterated petroleum products and the alleged lack of crude oil supply to local refineries. The House is focusing on the quality of imported petroleum products and the challenges faced by local refineries in accessing crude oil.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, stressed the need for high-quality petroleum products and reliable crude oil supplies for local refineries. Abbas highlighted concerns about fuel queues, rising costs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and the difficulties domestic refineries face.
“The resurgence of fuel queues and the increasing cost of PMS are pressing issues,” Abbas noted. “Our investigation will address these problems and ensure compliance with global standards.”
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) have been tasked with ensuring that all imported petroleum products meet rigorous standards. This includes testing for sulphur and octane levels to ensure quality and safety.
Both the Senate and House investigations aim to address the broader threats to Nigeria’s energy security and ensure that the country’s petroleum industry operates with greater transparency and efficiency.
