Why House is investigating state of refineries ―Dogara

SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara on Monday said that the House would continue to ensure that due process is followed in governance business, and will continue to insist that public investment be managed professionally and profitably.

Hon Dogara stated this while speaking at a public hearing organised by the Adhoc Committee on the investigation of the state of the nation’s four refineries, their tune around maintenance to date and regular/modular licensed refineries in the National Assembly.

He said the investigation is aimed at determining whether it is beneficial for the government to continue to pump in public funds into refineries and still have to allocate crude oil for the same purpose of refining, as well as the status of all the refineries, their turn around maintenance and ascertain why holders of license have refused to utilise them.

The speaker said, “Considering the importance of the turn-around maintenance of the four refineries as well as ensuring that the process is carried out in line with Public Procurement Act and other financial regulations for the benefit of the nation, the committee is expected to focus and act within the following terms of reference given to it by the House, namely:

“Ascertain the viability of continuing investment of public funds on the nation’s four(4) refineries and allocation of 445,000 bpd crude utilization for the same purpose;

“Determine the current utilization level of Warri, Kaduna and Port Harcourt refineries;

“Carry out a comprehensive investigation on the turnaround maintenance (TAM) carried out to date on the refineries and identify the private and corporate individuals that have refused to utilize the license and(regular and Modular), the readiness and status of all current holders and report back within 90 days for further legislative action.”

He assured Nigerians that the House would pursue all necessary provisions within the ambit of the law to support transparency, accountability, as well as to ensure that due process is followed in governance business in both the public service and other statutory organisations.

“We will continue to insist that public investment is managed professionally and profitably,” he added.