Senate summons Okonjo-Iweala and Alison-Madueke over lingering fuel scarcity

The Senate Committees on Petroleum Resources (Upstream and Downstream) have summoned Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, to appear before them on Monday over the lingering fuel scarcity.

This is contained in a statement signed by Chairmen of the committees, Senator Paulker Emmanuel (PDP-Bayelsa Central) Upstream and Senator Magnus Abe (PDP-Rivers South-East) Downstream, in Abuja on Friday.

The joint committee also summoned the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Managing Director, Petroleum Pricing and Regulatory Agency and the Director, Department of Petroleum Resources.

The others were representatives of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and the National Association of Road Transport Owners.

The statement explained that the Deputy Senate Majority Leader, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi Central), on May 21, drew the attention of the Senate to the lingering fuel scarcity in the country.

It added that Ningi had urged the Senate to look into the matter with a view to finding the causes and lasting solution to the problem.

The statement further stated that the committees were mandated by the Senate to investigate the matter and brief it on the outcome on Tuesday, May 26.

The joint committee said the invitation extended to the affected individuals, agencies and groups was to obtain adequate information that would help in the inquiry.

Credit: Nigerian Tribune