The Senate declared its determination to ensure the dismissal and prosecution of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, and other top executives. This stern stance stems from the alleged misappropriation of N12 trillion on the turn-around maintenance (TAM) of the country's non-functional refineries.
Highlighting the alarming financial figures, the Senate Ad hoc Committee disclosed records of over $592 million, €4.8 million, and £3.4 million expended on TAM from 2010 to 2023. Despite this significant expenditure, the refineries continue to operate below capacity, prompting the committee to demand accountability.
During an interactive session with the management of NNPCL and other oil sector executives, the Senate Ad hoc Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of chief executive officers from agencies, including NNPCL, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and their subsidiaries. The committee issued a warning of potential dismissal and prosecution for those failing to comply.
Senator Isa Jibrin, the committee chairman, emphasized the need to address operational inefficiencies and financial leakages within the refineries. He announced the committee's intention to seek refunds and dismissals of executives involved in the turn-around maintenance. Expressing concern about operational expenses of N4.8 trillion between 2010 and 2020 on non-functioning facilities, Senator Jibrin demanded explanations for such expenditures.
Senator Yahaya Abdullahi underscored the seriousness of the matter and insisted that representatives should inform their chief executives to appear in person. Senator Sumaila Kawu emphasized the legislative duty to represent the people and urged respect for the Constitution. Senator Danjuma Goje clarified that the committee requires direct engagement with heads or chief executives rather than their representatives.
The committee set a deadline until Tuesday for the submission of documents by the agencies. Further meetings are planned to discuss the documents and provide the chief executives with an opportunity to address the Senate directly.
