The Senate has postponed its investigation into the alleged sabotage in the petroleum industry, citing the need for broader consultations with stakeholders whose input is deemed essential for a thorough conclusion of the investigative hearing.
Additionally, legislative demands aimed at enhancing due diligence were also mentioned as reasons for the delay.
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Leader of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry, provided these reasons in a statement on Sunday.
Bamidele explained that the ad-hoc committee’s decision to defer the hearing followed consultations with committee members and key industry players.
The Senate had established the ad-hoc committee to investigate the substantial expenditures on maintaining the nation’s refineries, scrutinize payments to transporters by regulatory agencies, and address concerns about the importation of hazardous petroleum products and the dumping of substandard diesel.
The committee had completed its pre-investigation activities and held an interactive session with leaders of ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and private sector representatives in the petroleum industry.
An investigative hearing was initially scheduled for September 10th to 12th, 2024.
However, Bamidele elaborated that the postponement was necessary to allow for more comprehensive consultations with a broader range of stakeholders, both within and outside the petroleum industry.
He also noted that pressing national issues requiring the urgent attention of various public and private sector stakeholders influenced this decision.
Bamidele stated, “While we deeply regret any inconvenience this postponement may cause, the decision was made purely in the national interest.”
He emphasized that the delay would enable the committee to adopt a more holistic approach and develop lasting solutions to the sector’s challenges.
The ad-hoc committee will announce a new date for the hearing to all stakeholders in due course.
