The Senate has postponed its public hearing on alleged sabotage in the petroleum industry, originally scheduled for September 10-12, 2024. Key stakeholders, including officials from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Dangote Group, and other industry regulators, were summoned to appear.
The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, explained that the postponement allows for broader consultations and deeper due diligence. He emphasized that the decision was in the nation’s best interest and assured stakeholders that a new date would be communicated soon.
The Senate’s ad-hoc committee, which is investigating issues such as refinery maintenance costs and the importation of substandard diesel, had already conducted preliminary engagements with various government bodies and private firms. However, Bamidele noted the need for more extensive input from all stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the Kwara State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Federal Government to reverse the recent fuel price hike, calling it detrimental to workers’ welfare. Fuel prices in some areas, including Ilorin, have surged to between N1,000 and N1,200 per liter. The NLC criticized the government for breaching its agreement with labor by increasing fuel prices, especially during an economic downturn.
News Editor