Reps panel begins probe of refineries maintenance

A House of Representatives adhoc panel has commenced probe into the Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) of Nigeria’s four refineries in Warri, Port Harcourt and Kaduna.

The adhoc panel, headed by Rep Garba Mohammed Datti (APC, Kaduna) is to ascertain the viability of continuing investments of public funds on the four refineries and allocation of 445,000 barrel per day of crude utilization.

The panel is to equally identify the private and corporate individuals that have refused to utilize the licences for both regular and modular refineries, the readiness and status of all current holders.

Speaking during a press briefing yesterday, Datti said the panel has asked the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu and the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Kachalla Baru, to suspend the plans to begin fresh TAM with a sum of $1.8 billion.

He said there are allegations that the TAM has not taken place for a long time, “so we don’t know whether it’s because of this panel that they want to rush and do it.”

“We want to unravel the mystery about the condition of the four refineries. As members of parliament, we have the responsibility to Nigerians to find out what’s happening,” he said.

While asking all the relevant government bodies to come forward with necessary information, the panel said it would ensure a thorough job.