The Senate ad hoc committee investigating the importation of adulterated petroleum products has postponed its public hearing, which was initially scheduled for September 10-12, 2024.
This decision was announced by the committee’s chairperson, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, on Sunday.
The delay comes amid rising concerns over the circulation of contaminated fuel across Nigeria.
Senator Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, stated that the postponement would allow the committee to conduct broader consultations with key stakeholders within and outside the petroleum industry, ensuring a more thorough investigation.
“While we deeply regret all inconveniences caused, this decision was made purely in the national interest,” Bamidele emphasized.
He noted that the extended timeline would help the committee adopt a more comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges plaguing Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
A new date for the hearing will be announced soon.
The postponement follows accusations from Dangote Refinery that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) had granted licenses for the importation of substandard fuel.
These claims have been denied by the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria.
In response to concerns over harmful fuel imports, the Senate established a 15-member committee in July 2024, led by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong (APC, Cross River).
The committee’s mandate is to investigate the reasons behind the continuous importation of unsafe petroleum products, identify those responsible, and probe why Nigeria’s refineries remain non-functional despite massive funding.
In August, the committee held interactive sessions with petroleum industry stakeholders, during which Senator Bamidele expressed frustration over persistent fuel shortages and the non-operation of government-owned refineries, despite billions allocated for their rehabilitation.
The outcome of the committee’s investigation is highly anticipated, as it aims to uncover the causes of Nigeria’s fuel crisis and propose solutions to prevent future economic sabotage in the sector.
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