Senator Challenges NNPC’s Lack of Engagement with National Assembly
The Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Senator Allwell Onyiso, has expressed strong criticism of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) for its consistent failure to attend National Assembly invitations. He described this absence as a significant obstacle to effective legislative oversight and an impediment in the fight against oil theft.
Committee’s Investigation into Oil Theft Intensifies
Speaking to reporters following a meeting of the Senate committee focused on investigating oil theft, Senator Onyiso emphasized the urgency of considering amendments to Nigeria’s petroleum laws. These changes aim to enhance the legal and regulatory framework within the oil and gas sector.
Protest Against NNPCL’s Absences
In a show of dissent, the Rivers East senator previously walked out of committee sessions due to the continual absence of NNPCL leaders at critical legislative meetings. He characterized the lack of attendance as detrimental to transparency and indicative of a troubling disregard for the nation’s democratic institutions.
Legislative Responsibility Highlighted
Onyiso underscored that the National Assembly’s inquiries into the operations of the national oil company are fundamental to its constitutional duties. “We’re not contractors. We’re just asking for facts and records,” he asserted, emphasizing the committee’s role in obtaining necessary information for informed scrutiny.
Critique of NNPCL’s Justifications
The senator rejected the company’s claims regarding officials being away on foreign business, questioning the rationale behind simultaneous travels by senior management. “Is the GCEO’s role to travel abroad, or to oversee operations here?” he asked, calling attention to the disparity between the NNPCL’s obligations and its actions.
Demand for Accountability and Legislative Oversight
Onyiso expressed concern that the NNPCL’s persistent non-compliance with Senate invitations raises serious public doubts about its commitment to accountability. He insisted that no public authority, including the NNPCL, is beyond the oversight of the legislature.
Call for Fair Development in Oil-Producing Regions
Despite the significant wealth generated from oil resources, the senator lamented the ongoing neglect of oil-producing communities. He cited the historical context of Umuechem in Rivers State as an example of a region that has not benefitted adequately from its natural resources. The senator pressed for an inquiry into why local communities continue to lack basic infrastructure and employment opportunities despite their proximity to oil production.
Push for Greater Transparency and Support for Local Communities
Moreover, Onyiso called for the Petroleum Technology Development Fund to disclose statistics on how many individuals from Rivers State and other oil-producing areas have benefitted from its scholarships and training programs. He reiterated his pledge to advocate for greater accountability and equitable treatment for communities that contribute so significantly to the national economy, stressing that local wealth must translate into tangible development and opportunities.
Committee Considers Amendments to Petroleum Legislation
In its ongoing efforts to enhance the oil sector, the committee reviewed proposed amendments to the Nigerian Petroleum Act. These revisions aim to address outdated provisions regarding penalties and improve regulatory enforcement, ultimately seeking to curb oil theft and bolster crude oil production.
