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By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives’ Ad hoc Committee on Pre-Shipment Inspection Failures and the Non-Remittance of Crude Oil Proceeds has reaffirmed its commitment to ending longstanding revenue leakages in Nigeria’s oil and non-oil export sectors.
Chairman of the committee, Rep. Seyi Sowunmi, made the pledge on Tuesday during the inauguration of a capacity-building workshop for committee members in Abuja.
Sowunmi emphasized that Nigeria’s billions in lost revenues are not mere figures on paper. “These losses are tangible. They translate into hundreds of schools that remain unbuilt, hospitals that are incomplete, and roads that are yet to reach our communities,” he said.
He explained that the committee was constituted after extensive evidence emerged of systemic exploitation in Nigeria’s crude and non-oil export value chains. “This investigation is not about targeting individuals; it is about reforming a broken system and ensuring that Nigeria’s resources work for Nigerians,” Sowunmi noted.
“Our objective is clear: to seal loopholes, recover lost funds, and restore confidence in our economic governance. For the first time, we are examining the full export chain, from the moment crude leaves the ground to the moment funds return to our coffers, using rigorous, data-driven methods,” he added.
Highlighting the purpose of the ongoing workshop, Sowunmi said, “We are equipping our members with the technical know-how to understand export data, maritime logistics, and financial intelligence. Experts in trade compliance, forensic auditing, and international oil transactions are guiding us through this process.”
He also stressed the need for modernized monitoring. “We must embrace digital tracking. Every barrel exported must be monitored, and every dollar earned must be accounted for. This is the only way to ensure transparency and end impunity,” Sowunmi insisted.
Speaking further, Rep. Peter Aniekwe warned committee members of anticipated resistance from entrenched interests. “Pushback is inevitable from those who benefit from opacity. But we cannot waver. Nigeria’s future depends on our resolve, and the people will eventually see the results of our diligence,” Aniekwe said.
Sowunmi concluded by underlining the broader significance of the initiative. “This is an investment in competence, integrity, and national pride. We welcome public oversight because democracy strengthens when citizens are informed and engaged. This is about ensuring that Nigeria’s wealth directly translates into progress for its people,” he said.