Senate reshuffles committee to probe sabotage in oil sector

The Nigerian Senate has announced the reshuffling of its Ad-hoc Committee to investigate alleged economic sabotage in the petroleum sector.

The move is to dispel concerns that certain industry stakeholders were attempting to hinder the probe and aims to ensure a more thorough, coordinated investigation in collaboration with the House of Representatives.

The announcement, made during a plenary session led by Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I. Jubrin, followed a motion sponsored by Senate Leader and Ad-hoc Committee Chair, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

Bamidele emphasized the importance of a joint investigation between the Senate and House of Representatives, which had also formed its own ad-hoc committee on the matter.

This collaborative approach, he explained, would streamline efforts and prevent duplication as the committees fulfill their constitutional oversight responsibilities.

The newly named “National Assembly Joint Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry” will include members from both chambers.

Senator Bamidele will continue as chair, joined by Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong, Yahaya Abdullahi, Mohammed Monguno, Solomon Olamilekan, and other key legislators.

The Senate also resolved to communicate its decision to the House of Representatives, inviting them to appoint an equal number of members to the committee.

The joint committee’s origins trace back to July 2024, when the Senate first addressed concerns over the importation of substandard diesel and hazardous petroleum products following a motion by Senator Ekpenyong.

While Senator Opeyemi Bamidele will still chair the National Assembly Joint Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage, its members include Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi; Senator Mohammed Monguno and Senator Solomon Olamilekan.

Other members include: Senator Plang Diket, Senator Ipalibo Banigo; Senator Khabeeb Mustapha; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Senator Williams Eteng Jonah; Senator Adetokunbo Abiru; Senator Osita Izunaso; Senator Sahabi Ya’u; Senator Ahmed Abdul Ningi and Senator Suleiman A. Kawu.

The lawmakers agreed further that the resolution of the Senate be communicated to the House of Representatives, following which the Joint Ad-hoc Committee will be inaugurated by the presiding officers of both chamber

The Senate had on Wednesday, 3rd July 2024 debated a motion on the urgent need to investigate the Importation of Hazardous Petroleum Products and Dumping of Substandard Diesel into Nigeria moved by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River North).

The Senate had on Thursday, 11th July 2024 recaptioned the title of the Ad-hoc Committee to Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry.

After holding meetings with key stakeholders in the petroleum sector, the Bamidele Committee put its activities on hold by conducting a joint session with the lower chamber and providing workable antidotes to a myriad of challenges in the industry.