A powerful ad hoc committee investigating NNPC Limited has faced weeks of infighting among its members.
Recently, the House of Representatives split between those supporting NNPC’s Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, and those against him. This division led the leadership to take action.
The committee, co-chaired by Ikenga Ugochinyere and Henry Okojie, gained significant influence due to its high-profile tasks. However, it became controversial with allegations of bribery even before its official committees were set up.
Before it was disbanded, the committee was looking into issues like the importation of poor-quality fuel, the purchase of Oando’s assets by NNPC Retail, and conflicts between Dangote Refinery and NNPC Limited.
The committee’s work became particularly contentious with many lawmakers backing Kyari. The dispute between Dangote Refinery and NNPC Limited increased the committee’s power but also fueled conflicts.
The investigation began in April when the House decided to look into the fuel scarcity in Nigeria and invited the Minister of Petroleum Resources to explain. Before the minister’s appearance, Ugochinyere and Okojie reported that the fuel scarcity was temporary and products were available.
Despite this, the scarcity returned in July, prompting the House to launch a detailed probe into the fuel sector. Ugochinyere’s committee was tasked with investigating allegations of substandard fuel imports, sales below market value, and issues affecting local refineries.
Earlier, Ugochinyere’s committee was assigned to probe NNPC Retail’s acquisition of OVH assets, a task that had previously been handled by another committee but was challenged by some lawmakers.
The committee was also asked to investigate the conflict between NMDPRA and Dangote Refinery over refinery operations. This dispute led to further scrutiny by the House, which had previously visited Dangote’s refinery.
Tensions increased when some lawmakers, led by Philip Agbese, called for Kyari’s removal. This move was seen by some as influenced by promises made to Dangote, leading to a strong backlash from Kyari’s supporters.
Both sides engaged in extensive lobbying, phone calls, and even media campaigns to sway lawmakers. Accusations surfaced, including claims that Ugochinyere paid $1.7 million for his committee position, though he denied these allegations, calling them attempts to distract from corruption in the oil industry.
Internal disagreements and alleged unilateral decisions by Ugochinyere led to the resignation of some committee members shortly before its dissolution.
In response to the chaos, Speaker Abbas called an emergency session to restore order, limiting unauthorized media interactions and dissolving the committee. This move raised speculation about a rift between Abbas and his deputy, given Ugochinyere’s close ties with the Deputy Speaker.
As tensions remain high, the House is expected to form a new committee to continue the investigation, while leadership addresses bribery allegations.
Dr. Reuben Abati, a veteran journalist, criticized calls for Kyari’s dismissal, arguing that the problems in Nigeria’s oil industry are systemic and not due to one individual. He emphasized the need for broader leadership and reform rather than blaming Kyari alone.
