The Senate says it has concluded arrangements to probe the Nigerian
National Petroleum Corporation and Independent Marketers over alleged
irregularities in the subsidy fund.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Sen. Kabiru
Marafa, said this on Sunday while briefing journalists in Abuja.
According to Marafa, the NNPC has failed to justify to satisfaction the
near N5.2tn spent on subsidy importation of petroleum products from 2006
to 2016.
“This sum is in addition to the 445,000 barrels of crude oil for domestic
consumption. This is more than the annual budget of Nigeria,” he said.
“We note allegations already brought to our attention concerning the
importation of Automotive Gas Oil under various import contracts wherein
hundreds of millions of litres of AGO have been imported and allocated to
choice marketers at discounted values,” he said.
Marafa added that the committee had also established the disappearance of
100 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit worth N14 billion kept in the
custody of two companies.
He said the committee would invite NNPC’s past and present executives,
Heads of Operations and Planning and Desk Management Officers responsible
for purchasing of products sold to Nigeria.
“It is pertinent to stress that where invitees failed to cooperate with
us, then adequate sanctions shall be carried out ranging from publishing
of names of industry news providers.
“Where relevant reward and incentives will be available to support the
courage of members of the public who come forward,” he said.
Marafa said that the committee would also implement its own Whistle Blower
platform to enable it get information on corrupt practices.
He said that the committee would conduct a three-day public hearing on the
matter.
(NAN)