The Senate has issued a directive to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its subsidiaries, requesting relevant documents about Nigerian refineries’ turnaround maintenance projects.
During an interactive session on Wednesday, the Senate’s ad hoc committee investigating the refinery maintenance projects urged NNPCL’s management and other oil sector executives to submit the necessary documentation.
Senator Isa Jibrin, the committee’s chairman, expressed concern over the significant expenditure—amounting to over N12 trillion from 2010 till date—allocated to the refineries’ turnaround maintenance.
Sadly, despite the humongous amount spent, none of the refineries is operational.
Jibrin emphasized the need for accountability, indicating that they aim to identify and address the various inefficiencies causing substantial losses.
“We will demand reimbursement and consider the dismissal of all chief executives involved in the turnaround maintenance,” Senator Jibrin affirmed.
The committee had previously requested documents, which were not provided by the oil companies, raising suspicions.
Senator Jibrin highlighted this delay in document submission and insisted on the physical presence of the chief executives.
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi echoed the sentiment, advocating for the personal appearance of the absent chief executives rather than representatives.
Expressing displeasure, Senator Sumaila Kawu criticized the invitees’ understanding of civil service operations, stressing the Senate’s obligation to represent the entire legislature.
He warned that unsatisfactory actions would not be tolerated by Nigerians and could lead to consequences for the officials involved.
The Senate, in its stance, firmly demanded accountability and transparency while hinting at potential repercussions, including dismissals and legal consequences, for those implicated in the mismanagement of refinery maintenance funds.
