Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has revealed that the investigation into alleged economic sabotage in the petroleum sector, previously handled by separate Ad-hoc committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives, will now be a joint effort by both chambers.
Senator Bamidele, who also chairs the investigative Ad-hoc committee, made this known in a statement on Monday. He stated, “As we resume parliamentary sessions this Tuesday, the National Assembly will renew its commitment to addressing the challenges facing the petroleum industry.”
The statement highlighted several critical issues within the sector, including crude oil theft, ongoing maintenance of public refineries, importation of substandard petroleum products, and fuel supply disruptions, all contributing to the industry’s suboptimal performance.
Contrary to earlier media reports, Bamidele clarified that the Senate had not suspended its investigation into alleged economic sabotage but had merely postponed the public hearing to address procedural matters related to National Assembly rules. He added, “Both chambers will now resolve these issues and likely form a joint committee to continue the investigation from where the Ad-hoc committee left off.”
He emphasized the importance of uncovering the root causes of economic sabotage in the petroleum sector, stating, “We are committed to safeguarding national interests and developing mechanisms to enhance the efficiency and functionality of the industry.”
Bamidele also mentioned that the National Assembly is expecting the submission of the new Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) from the Executive, which are essential for the budget preparation process. “The MTEF is crucial as it must be in place before the 2025 Appropriation Bill can be presented to the National Assembly.”
Additionally, he noted the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution, chaired by Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin. In the coming weeks, the Constitution Review Committee will hold retreats, call for memoranda, and organize zonal meetings to discuss potential amendments. Bamidele expressed confidence in the committee, stating, “This exercise promises a truly federative approach that will reshape public governance in the country.”