Editor
By Fatima Saka
The Chairman of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Turn Around Maintenance of government-owned oil refineries, Senator Sumaila Kawu has asserted that the individuals overseeing the oil sector, particularly the refineries, are operating them in a clandestine manner, resembling a cabal.
Senator Kawu made these revelations in Abuja on Wednesday during a press briefing regarding the committee’s objectives, emphasizing the committee’s determination to shed light on the cabal-like operations within the refineries.
He highlighted the committee’s commitment to addressing the pervasive lack of transparency in Nigeria’s petroleum industry, which he believes is under the control of a powerful cabal.
Senator Kawu also announced the committee’s intention to summon all responsible parties of the refineries to a public hearing, allowing Nigerians to gain insights into the reasons behind the refineries’ dysfunction.
Expressing concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability, Senator Kawu emphasized the urgency for Nigeria to be informed about the activities within the sector, which the committee aims to uncover diligently.
Senator Kawu outlined the committee’s specific focus on scrutinizing contracts awarded by previous administrations and monitoring the current contracts for refinery maintenance. By meticulously examining these agreements, the committee aims to expose any irregularities and ensure the effective utilization of funds.
Senator Kawu pledged to engage with various stakeholders, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and refinery operators, to identify obstacles hindering efficient production and accountability.
He assured that the committee would work towards dismantling the cabal-like operations that have plagued the industry, striving to make decision-making processes transparent and comprehensible to the public.
Senator Kawu concluded by reiterating thatthe committee’s commitment to gathering relevant information from pertinent agencies to assess the situation and take appropriate actions to address the challenges faced by the refineries.
