The newly appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Senator Sumaila Kawu, yesterday assured Nigerians that his panel would tackle the persistent lack of transparency in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.
He believes that the oil and gas sector was being run by a powerful cabal.
Kawu, appointed chairman of the Committee following the demise of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who represented Anambra South in the 9th and 10th Senate explained during an interaction with journalists, of his plans to shed light on the sector’s operations and engage the public in meaningful dialogue.
He emphasised the urgent need for clarity and accountability within the industry following the rising fuel prices impacting Nigerians daily.
“Our first step will be to study the current situation and gather information from relevant agencies to see what we can do.
“Therefore, there is need for us to put our head together with all relevant stakeholders, at least to know where we are.
“This time around, we want to do even a public hearing. Let Nigerians come and ask questions or put their own input on these refineries,” he said.
“There is one thing which we understand which we must, in any way, let Nigerians know.
“They are running the agency like a cabal. Nobody knew what was going on. Therefore, there is a need for Nigeria at least to know what is going on there, which we will do our own best,” Sen Kawu added.
While, highlighting the importance of holding public hearings, which will allow citizens to voice their concerns and experiences directly, Kawu said his committee will focus specifically on reviewing contracts awarded by previous administrations and overseeing the current contracts for refinery repairs.
He assured that the panel would expose any irregularities and ensure that funds are being used effectively.
“We need to ask the hard questions and hold a public hearing to allow Nigerians to express their views.”
He pledged to engage with stakeholders, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and refinery operators, to understand the barriers to efficient production and accountability.
He said the recent visits to the refineries by the joint Adhoc committee on the National Assembly had provided concerns about production timelines, prompting a call for a more rigorous evaluation of the situation.
Kawu vowed to focus on a culture of openness within the sector.
He promised to use the committee to dismantle the “cabal-like” operations that have characterized the industry, ensuring that decision-making processes are accessible and understandable to the public.
