The House of Representatives has dissolved the ad-hoc Joint Committee on Downstream and Midstream that was investigating the activities of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd. and the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority regarding the importation of adulterated petrol and the non-availability of crude oil to local refineries.
This was disclosed in a statement by the spokesperson for the House, Rep. Akin Rotimi in Abuja on Monday, according to Nairametrics.
He said that a newly formed ad hoc committee with the same mandate would replace the dissolved body.
This new committee will continue the investigation into the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and other critical energy security issues.
According to Rotimi, the purpose of the dissolution is to guarantee the effectiveness and impartiality of the inquiry.
The statement reads, “The Leadership of the House of Representatives has resolved to dissolve the current ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee.
“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.”
According to the spokesman, members of the new committee would be selected based on their experience, skill, and moral character.
Rotimi underlined that the House remains resolute in addressing these critical issues and ensuring thorough oversight.
The ad-hoc committee, led by Ikenga Ugochinyere, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Downstream, had been calling for the dismissal of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. In contrast, another group of 50 lawmakers has called for his retention.
