The Senate on Wednesday constituted a 15-member committee to unravel the circumstances surrounding the persistent importation of hazardous petroleum products by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the composition of the committee during plenary.
He said the committee will be chaired by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.
Other members are Asuquo Ekpeyong (Cross River), Abdullahi Yahaya (Kebbi), Tahir Monguno (Borno), Olamilekan Adeola (Ogun), Diket Plang (Plateau) and Abdul Ningi (Bauchi), Khabeeb Mustapha (Jigawa), Ipanibo Banigo (Rivers), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos), Osita Izunaso (Imo), Sahabi Ya’u (Zamfara), Olajide Ipinsagba (Ondo) and Ekong Sampson (Akwa-Ibom).
The resolution to investigate the importation of hazardous petroleum products was the result of a motion sponsored by Mr Ekpeyong.
The Senate and a motion
Mr. Ekpeyong, in his motion, expressed displeasure over the persistent importation of adulterated fuel into the country.
The senator said that on June 16, refineries exported 12 cargoes totaling 660 kt of diesel to the coasts of Lomé, Togo, Nigeria and some West African countries.
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He noted that such petroleum products are below Nigerian quality standards and have been circulating in the markets.
“On June 16, 2024, the refineries were reported to have exported 12 diesel cargoes totaling 660 kt of diesel to the coast of Lomé, Togo, for onward distribution to West African markets, primarily Nigeria.”
The senator said despite the substandard nature of diesel, it still found its way to Nigerian markets on the Mt. “Kalle” which arrived in Lome on June 16, which immediately undertook a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer to DV MT and then proceeded to unload at a jetty in Warri on June 21, 2024.
Mr Ekpeyong warned of the consequences of adulterated fuel in vehicles and generators.
He called for a complete ban on diesel imports and the development of local refineries.
The Senate launches an investigation
Senate Leader Ali Ndume has expressed concern that Nigeria is importing adulterated petroleum products from Russia for private profits despite the existence of local refineries.
Mr Ndume urged the federal government to ensure that refineries are productive.
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Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) said there was a need to review the Petroleum Industry Act which he said gave too many powers to individuals.
Mr Musa complained that Nigeria has yet to see any significant investment in the oil and gas sector since the PIA, compared to Ghana which has attracted up to $12 billion.
Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the upper house would consider amending the PIA to give more powers to the NNPCL to ensure effective regulation.
Mr. Akpabio regretted that Nigeria has not yet managed to operationalize its refineries.
The Senate President subsequently set up a committee to investigate the matter.