The members of the House of Representatives on Monday have dissolved the current ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee investigating the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and other energy security issues.
In a statement by the House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi, he said the decision was taken at the committee’s inauguration penultimate and the ad-hoc committee had been dissolved and a new one would be created.
He said: “The Leadership of the House of Representatives has resolved to dissolve the current ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee.
“Initially tasked with investigating the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and other critical energy security issues, this committee will be succeeded by a newly constituted ad-hoc committee with the same mandate.”
Akin added, “To ensure the efficacy and independence of this investigation, the new committee will consist of honourable members selected for their expertise, competence, and integrity.
“The House remains committed to addressing these vital issues and ensuring thorough oversight. Further details on the new committee’s operations will be provided in due course.”
The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu speaking on behalf of the speaker earlier during the meeting expressed concerns over the resurgence of fuel queues at petrol stations, the increasing cost of Premium Motor Spirit, and the unavailability of crude oil feedstock for domestic refineries.
He explained that the investigation committee would extend to other related issues impacting the sector, emphasising the need for compliance with global standards in the quality of petroleum products imported into Nigeria.
He stressed that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria must ensure that all petrol imported into the country is rigorously tested in laboratories to meet standard sulphur and octane levels.
The ad-hoc committee led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Ikenga Ugochinyere, had earlier called for the sack of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Mele Kyari, while others asked for his retention.
The battle between the Dangote refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company limited NNPCL drew attention to the activities of the oil refining corporation. Accusations on the quality of fuel and sabotage to the activities of the new refinery poured from both angles. Creating a new adhoc committee to investigate the importation at such time draws attention from all angles.
