House Committee Investigates Alleged Importation of Contaminated Fuel, Missing Crude

By Iyojo Ameh

The Joint Committee of the House of Representatives, tasked with a forensic investigation into the challenges affecting the downstream and midstream petroleum sectors, has initiated a probe into allegations of the importation of contaminated Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as fuel, into Nigeria.

Chairman of the committee, Ikenga Ugochinyere, made this announcement during the formal inauguration of the panel in Abuja on Monday.

Details of the investigation will focus on the circumstances surrounding the alleged importation of substandard fuel and the broader implications for the petroleum industry, including potential environmental and economic impacts.

This inquiry forms part of a broader effort to address persistent issues in the sector and ensure the integrity of fuel supplies in the country.

The committee’s probe aims to uncover the root causes of the problem, identify those responsible, and recommend measures to prevent future occurrences. It also seeks to restore public confidence in the petroleum sector, which has been marred by various challenges over the years.

More information is expected to emerge as the committee delves deeper into the investigation.

The investigative panel will also look into allegations of the non-availability of crude oil to domestic refineries, disruption in distribution and favouritism in the pro forma invoice regime, among others.

Briefing newsmen at the event, Ugochinyere said, “The committee will conduct a legislative forensic investigation into the presence of middlemen in crude trading, indiscriminate issuance of licences and alleged unavailability of international standard laboratories to check adulterated products.”

He noted that the panel would also probe the possible influx of contaminated products into the country and “the allegation of non-domestication of profits realised from crude marketing sales in local banks, abuse of the PFI regime and importation of products already being produced in Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the panel is set to visit petrol stations nationwide to take samples of their product for laboratory tests to ascertain their quality.

The mandate of the joint committee is sequel to the adoption of a motion on July 9, 2024, on the “Urgent need to carry out a legislative forensic investigation into the challenges affecting the downstream and midstream petroleum sectors in Nigeria and other related matters to find out a lasting solution to all challenges,” affecting the petroleum industry.