The Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Petroleum Resources has adjourned Hearing on the 2024 Budget of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to Monday, December 18 following the absence key Officials of the Ministry on Thursday.
This followed the Adoption of a Motion by Abdulaziz Yari (APC-Zamfara).
Moving the Motion, Yari said that the Committee was constrained to adjourn following the absence of the Ministers.
He said the Officials should be given a second chance to appear for the Defence.
Earlier, the Chairman, House Committee of Petroleum Resources (Upstream) Ado Doguwa (APC-Kano) said that the absence of the Ministers was a sign of disrespect to the Parliament.
Doguwa said that should the Ministers failed to appear on Monday, the Committee would invoke relevant Sections of the Constitution to compel them to appear.
In his Ruling, the Chairman of the Committee, Agom Jarigbe (PDP-Cross River) said that the Ministers should appear before the Committee and account for the 2023 Budget.
However, a check by Lekki Business Chronicle, reveals that one of the Ministers, Heineken Lokpobiri was playing host to a Delegation from the OPTS, including the Managing Directors of CNL, SPDC, Agip and ExxonMobil, on day fixed for the Budget Defence.
According to Lokpobiri, “the Delegation visited to discuss critical concerns aimed at addressing and fortifying the Foundation for new Investments in our Oil and Gas Sector.
“This meeting builds on my ongoing efforts with International Oil Companies (IOCs) and the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) to enhance our Industry through Global Best Practices.
“In response, I announced plans to convene a Private Joint Stakeholder Meeting to establish short-term Guidelines for resolution and to further facilitate Collaborative advancement in our collective goals,” he reveals.
Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headlines
