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Senate Mandate Ad Hoc committe to Investigate NNPCL, Dangote

Published

2 years ago

July 26, 2024

milcah

From Lateef Taiwo

The Ad Hoc Committe has fixed 10th and 12 September, 2024 for the commencement of the investigations into the alleged sabotage in the Nigerian petroleum industry.

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the senate leader and Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee disclosed this while briefing the Senate press Corps on Thursday, in Abuja, saying that the

that ” the Senate is aware that the Petroleum industry has been on the front burner of public discourse since the creation of this Ad-Hoc Committee, as regulators and industry players continue to make one accusation or the other on various issues relating to the general operations of the Petroleum Industry. Hence, the need for this press conference to educate the general public on the mandates, workings, and of course the modalities adopted by the Ad-Hoc Committee to carry out this assignment”

According to the Ad Hoc Committe”The creation of this Ad-Hoc Committee became overwhelmingly necessary after an extensive debate on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, following a motion on Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Petroleum Industry sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South) with a clear mandate. My very respected Gentlemen of the Press, it will interest you to note that during debate on the motion, Distinguished Senators, in their contributions”

The Committee”expressed dismay and described it as economic sabotage and a clear failure of the Government Statutory Agencies charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s economic interest, to live up to their expectations. Hence, an Ad-Hoc Committee.was constituted to conduct a comprehensive investigation into all the prayers and report to the Senate within three (3) weeks. For the avoidance of doubt, the Terms of Reference of the Ad-Hoc Committee include:”

(a) Examine the pre-shipment and pre-discharge standard test parameters adopted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority with a view to uncovering loopholes, if any, being exploited to get toxic cargoes into the country;

(b) Determine the level of compliance of the NNPCL’s Direct Sale and Direct Purchase (DSP) arrangements in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, including the extent of transparency and accountability in the

Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), including payments made to transporters in the last 10 years;

(d) Enquire from the NNPCL the state/status of the 22 depots built by the defunct NNPC to eliminate road distribution of petroleum products;

(e) Engage with stakeholders within the oil and gas industry with a view to identifying possible gaps in regulating and strengthening the surveillance and monitoring structures in place to enable Nigeria to detect violations of best practice standards in the importation of products before they enter into the domestic supply chains;

(f) Also engage with the NNPCL with a view to understanding the extent of its determination and timelines for the start-up of government-funded oil refineries;

(g) Investigate how institutions across the importation and distribution chain failed to conduct quality sampling, shipped in products without auditing, and performed

port validations by the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON); and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA): and (h) Such other consequential amendments the Adhoc

Committee deems fit.

Members of the Ad-Hoc Committee immediately rolled up their sleeves, met on several occasions to determine the best ways to achieve its mandate, and collectively resolved to sacrifice a portion of their recess period to carry on with the assignment devoid of bias in the overall national and public interest. This commitment led to the inauguration of the Ad-Hoc Committee by the President of the Senate, His Excellency Senator Obot Akpabio, GCON, on Monday, July 22, 2024.
The Ad-Hoc Committee has identified some critical stakeholders to interact with in the course of discharging this noble assignment. They include:

Hon. Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil)

Federal Ministry of Finance

Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment

Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)

(National Engineering and Technical Company Limited (NETCO) and Contractors)

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)

Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)

Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON)

Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency

(NIMASA)

Nigeria Customs Service

Nigerian Navy

OBAT Oil

Matrix Energy Depot

Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN)

International Oil Companies (IOCs)

Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN)

Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN)

Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA)

Dangote Group

Modular Refineries

Capital Oil.

” It is pertinent to note that in the course of interactions with the identified stakeholders, the Ad-Hoc Committee will visit any of their facilities that it deems

necessary, especially the state-owned refineries, to ascertain their status, considering the huge funds already invested in their various Turn Around Maintenances-year in, year out-without any meaningful result. The Committee, along with Nigerians, is particularly interested in understanding why local refineries are not working despite the substantial amounts of money spent annually on their maintenance and operations. We will closely examine what the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has been doing to address this persistent problem”.

“Additionally, the Committee will meet with stakeholders in their various zones to gather localized insights and feedback. To ensure broad participation and transparency, the Committee will create a platform for the general public and stakeholders to submit memoranda before the public hearings.”

” Our investigation seeks to identify and hold accountable parties involved in the importation and distribution of the adulterated Petroleum Products (PMS and AGO). This includes suppliers, importers, regulatory bodies, and any other entities that may have contributed to this serious lapse in quality control”

” We will conduct a thorough review of current regulatory frameworks and procedures to identify deficiencies and recommend necessary reforms to prevent such occurrences in the future. The Committee is committed to ensuring the highest standards of fuel quality for the Nigerian market”

” The public hearing will be held as from September 10th 12th, 2024. The sessions will enable us to engage directly with key actors in the petroleum industry and unravel those behind the illicit practice of importing hazardous and substandard petroleum products into the country contrary to established protocols and

standards. After the public hearing, the committee will go into close sessions during which we consider all the submissions from the key actors, draft our report and the eventual adoption of the reports”

“The Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Petroleum Industry assures the public that we will pursue this investigation with the utmost diligence and integrity. We are dedicated to safeguarding the interests of all Nigerians and restoring confidence in our energy sector”.

” We call on all relevant stakeholders to cooperate fully with our investigation. Together, we can ensure that such an incident does not re-occur and that the integrity of our fuel supply chain is maintained and the timelines for the start-up of funded oil refineries, are determined”

” May I categorically state that this Ad-Hoc Committee is not meant to witch hunt any individual or group of people, or corporation, but rather to find a lasting solution for our collective mutual gains. To this regard, the Ad-Hoc Committee seeks the cooperation of stakeholders in order not to jeopardize the good intention of the Senate”

“Our mandate is of strategic national interests. Each member of the committee is carefully selected based on his/her records of sterling performance. We are all men of integrity who will never pursue selfish interests at the expense of the national interests. The Senate did not constitute this committee to intimidate and witch-hunt any party. Rather, the committee was constituted for the purpose of ensuring social and economic justice in the light of grim realities we are facing as a federation”

“We are also taking this task seriously with a view to addressing fundamental issues that pose grave threats

to our economic prosperity, fiscal stability and public health as a federation. In line with our mandate, we will definitely unravel the roots of economic sabotage in Nigeria’s petroleum industry and make necessary recommendations that will entrench global best practices in the industry and open it up for more investments, especially in the midstream and downstream sectors. We are utterly committed to this -mandate. We shall also carry out this national -assignment without fear or favour. We shall be fair and just to all parties with a view to promoting and protecting the strategic national interests of our fatherland”

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Hon. Jafaaru Yakubu Demands Urgent Action on Taraba Road Collapse

Published

12 hours ago

September 17, 2026

Our Reporter

Hon. Jafaaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria-China Friendship, has issued a strong call for immediate government intervention following the collapse of the Bali-Suntai Road in Taraba State. His appeal comes two years after the Namnai Bridge in Gassol Local Government Area collapsed, a tragedy that remains unresolved and continues to haunt residents. Yakubu stressed that the latest disaster is not just an infrastructure failure but a humanitarian crisis that threatens livelihoods, education, and commerce across the region.The Bali-Suntai Road, particularly around the Zagah axis in Bali LGA, was washed away after heavy rains, leaving more than 300 vehicles stranded. Among them were heavy-duty trucks loaded with goods, buses carrying passengers, and smaller vehicles attempting to navigate the route. The collapse has paralyzed transport services, cutting off communities and disrupting trade. For traders, the losses are mounting daily as perishable goods rot in transit, while transport operators face financial ruin from halted operations. Ordinary citizens, meanwhile, are left stranded, unable to access markets, schools, or health facilities.In reinforcing Yakubu’s appeal, Alh. Abdulhamid Kungana, Director General of Campaign for Hon. Jafaaru Yakubu’s 2027 House of Representatives bid, underscored the urgency of the crisis, describing it as a ticking time bomb for Taraba’s economy and social fabric. He noted that the collapse has left communities isolated and vulnerable, with economic activities grinding to a halt. His intervention added political weight to Yakubu’s voice, framing the issue not only as a matter of infrastructure but as a test of governance and leadership. By aligning with Yakubu’s call, Kungana’s campaign leadership amplified the demand for swift and decisive action, signaling that the plight of Taraba’s people must be treated as a national priority.Yakubu emphasized that infrastructure is the backbone of economic and social life, and without functioning roads and bridges, communities are isolated, commerce grinds to a halt, and education suffers. His call is not just a political statement but a demand for urgent action that directly affects thousands of Nigerians. Residents have pleaded for swift repairs, warning that the situation will worsen as the rainy season continues. Traders fear that the collapse will lead to skyrocketing prices of goods and services, as supply chains remain disrupted. The prolonged neglect of the Namnai Bridge and now the Bali-Suntai Road highlights the urgent need for sustainable road maintenance policies in Taraba State.The combined voices of Yakubu and Kungana have transformed the crisis into a rallying point for accountability. Their united stance reflects a broader demand for government responsiveness, reminding leaders that infrastructure failures are not abstract statistics but lived realities for communities. The collapse of two critical transport routes within two years has left Taraba’s people in despair, and unless urgent steps are taken, the crisis will deepen, leaving the state further isolated and economically strangled.

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HONOURABLE JAFAARU YAKUBU COMMISERATES WITH QATAR OVER THE DEATH OF RULER

Published

14 hours ago

September 17, 2026

Our Reporter

Honourable Jafaaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria–China Friendship Relationship Group, has extended his condolences to the Government and people of Qatar following the passing of the father of the incumbent Emir, His Royal Highness Sheikh Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani.In his condolence message, Honourable Yakubu described the late ruler as a man of wisdom and compassion whose leadership left a lasting imprint on Qatar and the wider global community. He noted that the deceased patriarch of the Al Thani Royal Family was widely respected for his dedication to service, his vision for progress, and his commitment to uplifting humanity.Yakubu emphasized that Qatar has not only been a leader in the Gulf region but has also shown remarkable generosity through humanitarian partnerships that extend far beyond its borders. He highlighted the role of Qatar Charity in his Federal Constituency of Bali/Gassol in Taraba State, where sustained interventions have supported orphans, widows, and vulnerable groups. These programs, he said, have provided scholarships, empowerment opportunities, and social support that have transformed lives and strengthened communities.“The people of Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency will always remember the kindness of Qatar and the impact of its humanitarian activities in our communities,” Honourable Yakubu remarked. He added that the partnership with Qatar Charity has been a source of hope and opportunity, reinforcing the bonds of friendship between Nigeria and Qatar.He prayed for Allah (SWT) to forgive the shortcomings of the departed leader and grant him Jannatul Firdausi, while assuring the Government of Qatar of his constituency’s solidarity during this period of mourning.The condolence message, delivered in Abuja, underscores the enduring ties between Nigeria and Qatar, and reflects the shared vision of both nations in advancing humanitarian causes and uplifting vulnerable populations. Honourable Yakubu reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening these ties, ensuring that the partnership continues to grow and deliver meaningful benefits to his people.

News

‘Ombugadu Is a Brand, Not a Title’ — PDP Chieftain

Published

2 days ago

September 15, 2026

Our Reporter

By Emmanuel Kuza

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State, Abuga Ovie, has described the name Ombugadu as a political brand, saying the popularity and wide acceptance of the name have made David Emmanuel Ombugadu a major force in the state’s political landscape.

Ovie, who stated this in an interview on Tuesday, said what started as opposition from some of Ombugadu’s biological brothers and people he described as fathers and uncles who betrayed him for personal political interests had now assumed a wider dimension, with political parties allegedly joining the battle against him.

According to him, the latest development was an attempt to undermine the political value of the Ombugadu name by presenting another person with the same surname, describing it as an indication of how far some political actors were prepared to go to weaken the PDP governorship candidate.

“Ombugadu is a brand, not a title. The people are not fools. They know their own. You cannot simply bring another person bearing the same name and expect the people to forget the political identity that Ombugadu has built over the years,” he said.

He further alleged that a former governor was working to introduce a political associate who had served as Accountant-General of Nasarawa State into the political equation, with the alleged objective of destabilising the PDP and weakening its chances by ensuring that the party fields a less competitive candidate in 2027.

“The plan, as we understand it, is to destabilise the PDP and make sure the party presents a weak candidate, thereby creating an advantage for the former governor’s preferred candidate. But all those efforts have proved abortive because the national leadership of the PDP stood its ground and refused to lose its best bet for the 2027 governorship election,” Ovie said.

The PDP chieftain said the resolve of the national leadership to retain Ombugadu had demonstrated the confidence the party had in his capacity to win the governorship election, despite what he described as attempts by some political actors to frustrate his ambition.

Ovie urged political parties and their leaders to resolve their internal differences instead of concentrating their efforts on Ombugadu, whom he compared to David in the Bible, saying he remained focused despite betrayal and opposition from those close to him.

“Ombugadu is like David in the Bible. Even when his brothers forsook him, he remained focused. Today, despite the people who have betrayed him, he remains focused and has a blueprint that can rescue Nasarawa State,” he said.

He said political parties should concentrate on presenting their programmes and convincing voters about how they intend to address the challenges confronting the state rather than expending their energy on attempts to stop Ombugadu.

“Political parties should fix their problems instead of wasting their strength fighting Ombugadu. Let everybody bring their blueprint before the people and explain what they intend to do for Nasarawa State,” he said.

Ovie maintained that the 2027 election should be about ideas, competence and the future of Nasarawa State, rather than attempts to manipulate political structures or undermine individuals perceived to enjoy strong grassroots support.

He urged the people of the state, particularly the Eggon community, to remain politically vigilant and resist what he described as efforts to make them settle for less, insisting that voters would ultimately determine who enjoys their confidence at the polls.
Reduce repeated references to Ombugadu