The House of Representatives has dissolved its joint Committee saddled with the task of probing alleged Premium Motor Spirit ( PMS) racketeering, alleged secret payment of fuel subsidy, as well as importation of adulterated petroleum products into the country, amongst other issues in the oil and gas industry.
Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akin Rotimi, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, said a new panel would be constituted to undertake the assignment.
The House had last month adopted a motion by Billy Osawaru and Philip Agbese, calling for a forensic audit of the downstream and midstream sectors of the petroleum industry, owing to several allegations of infractions in the sector.
Consequently, the House mandated its Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and Petroleum Resources (Midstream) to undertake the investigation.
The joint Committee as part of its assignment was also expected to probe the face-off between Dangote Refinery and the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority ( NMDPRA) over the quality of products marketed by the former..
Nevertheless, Rotimi, who did not give any reason for the dissolution of the probe panel, said the House remains committed to a proper oversight of the petroleum industry.
The statement read, in part:Â “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.
“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.”
