The Chairman of the Senate Ad – Hoc Committee on Turn Around Maintenance of government owned oil refineries, Senator Sumaila Kawu (NNPP Kano South) on Wednesday said those in charge of the oil sector, particularly the refineries are running them like a cabal.
The lawmaker vowed that his committee would tackle the persistent lack of transparency in Nigeria’s petroleum industry, which he said was being run by a powerful cabal.
Kawu, who spoke during an interview with newsmen in Abuja said the cabal running the refineries would be exposed.
“Those in charge of the oil sector, particularly the refineries, are running them, like a cabal.
“Nobody knows what is going on. Therefore, there is a need for Nigeria at least to know what is going on there, which we will do our own best to unravel”.
He added that his committee will focus specifically on reviewing contracts awarded by previous administrations and overseeing the current contracts for refinery repairs.
He explained that by scrutinizing the agreements, the panel would expose any irregularities and ensure that funds are being used effectively.
He pledged to engage with stakeholders, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and refinery operators, to understand the barriers to efficient production and accountability.
He promised to use the committee to dismantle the “cabal-like” operations that have characterized the industry, ensuring that decision-making processes are accessible and understandable to the public.
He said “First of all, we will study the situation and we will get the information from relevant agencies to see what we can do on the refineries .
“There is need for us to put our heads together with all relevant stakeholders, at least to know where we are as far as the status of the refineries are concerned” Senator Kawu said.
