The House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on Review of Pump Price of Petrol chaired by Rep. Nnana Igbokwe on Monday, 6 March 2017 summoned the Managing Directors (MDs) Tempogate, Tiger Shipping Agency, SGS inspection Agency, Dozzy oil, Sahara Energy, Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Company and Blue Sea Maritime Shipping Company and others to appear before the committee to explain the diversification of Foreign Exchange (FOREX) and subversion import permit.
Similarly, the committee also requested that the MD of Rain oil, Gabriel Ogbechie and Chris Igwe of Mainland Oil should reappear before its on a date that shall be communicated to them.
The MD of Mainland oil who spoke to Hallowmace correspondent said, "no hard feelings concerning the decision of the committee requesting me to reappear before it. I commend them for doing a noble job because it is only through processes as this that we can all be accountable to Nigerians".
Mr Chris also told the committee that he picks products on the bases of cash and carry, though he owes Marine transport N130million." the only outstanding we have is Marine Transport, we are owing N130m which we intend to pay at the end of today, PEF, PPMC and NNPC are the ones owing us", he clarified.
The committee further demanded from the above oil marketers to come fourth with evidences of payments made, statement of facts from clearing agents, receipts of payment to Petroleum Equalization Trustfund (PEF), documents of all indebtedness, Strategy Partnership, records of supply and the amount of FOREX collected since 2016 to date.
The committee also frowned at the misappropriation of the FOREX collected by majority of oil marketers to ensure steady supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The chairman said the manner in which the oil marketers are diverting the foreign exchange for other use if not checked could affect availability of products in the country.
According to the chairman, we are advancing to the technical session and facts of PMS movement, storage and distribution.
"The factors that led to changes in price of PMS and what exactly is making retailers sell above the approved pump price"
"We are getting shocking revelations so far, nothing shows that the FOREX collected was utilised. Moreover, only 15% of FOREX collected is used for PMS, the essence of the FOREX is to avoid fuel shortage that will in turn affect the common man", Igbokwe stated.
The chairman while adjourning, ruled that the police attached to the committee to check misconduct of any sort should obtain statements from Sahara shipping company and the SGS inspection agency.
He explained that reasons for the directive is to put things into right perspectives so that persons involve will understand the importance of giving false statement while on oath.
He further explained that section 10 of the Legislative Act on privileges says, "when a person gives false statement while on oath it is punishable" so if anybody is found culpable then the person shall be committed to the appropriate authorities.
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