News
Senate Postpones Public Hearing on Petroleum Crisis for Wider Consultation
The Senate has announced the postponement of its public hearing regarding the alleged sabotage in Nigeria’s petroleum industry, aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis within the sector.
The hearing was initially scheduled to take place from September 10 to 12, 2024, and was expected to feature discussions with key stakeholders from the nation’s oil and gas industry.
In a statement released on Sunday, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader and Chairman of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee responsible for investigating the crisis, confirmed the postponement.
He explained that the delay was necessary to allow for broader consultations with additional stakeholders both within and outside the petroleum sector.
The Senate also cited legislative considerations, emphasizing the need for a more thorough and comprehensive approach to the investigation.
“While we understand and deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause to all involved parties, both collectively and individually, this decision has been made strictly in the national interest,” Bamidele said in the statement.
He reassured the public that the postponement was intended to enhance due diligence and ensure that the inquiry is conducted in a more effective and transparent manner.
Originally, the Senate had summoned various critical players in the petroleum sector to participate in the hearing, including the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, officials from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), representatives from Dangote Refinery, and the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA).
The investigation comes at a time when tensions are high over the recent increase in petrol pump prices by the NNPCL.
The price hike has sparked widespread criticism from the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the general public, all of whom have been calling for an immediate reversal of the price adjustments.
The delay in the public hearing has only added to the anticipation, as many Nigerians await the Senate’s next steps in tackling the petroleum sector’s challenges.
As the Senate continues its consultations and prepares for the rescheduled hearing, all eyes remain on how it will address the complex issues facing the oil and gas industry, including the allegations of sabotage and the impact of rising fuel prices on the nation’s economy.
APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe has pointed fingers at Nigerian traders for the continued surge in food prices across the country. In a Facebook post on Saturday, the outspoken supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration accused traders of being too greedy to reduce their prices.
He added that even as statistics suggest that the cost of food is starting to drop, traders have refused to comply. Furthermore, he expressed frustration, saying the refusal to lower prices shows a deeper problem of selfishness among citizens. According to him, Nigerians are their own worst enemies, driven by greed and a habit of taking more than they need.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to travel to Rome this Saturday to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The invitation came directly from Pope Leo XIV, who emphasized the importance of the president’s presence during this significant moment for the Church and a world facing many challenges.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, will be officially installed as the 267th Bishop of Rome on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
President Tinubu will be accompanied by key Catholic figures, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto.
Notably, Pope Leo XIV has a special connection to Nigeria, having worked at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s. After the ceremony, President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to preserve their culture and ensure it doesn’t fade away with time. Speaking through his deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, at the 2025 World Egungun Festival grand finale held in Ibadan, Makinde emphasized the importance of keeping traditions alive.
The event took place at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in the Oke Ado area and was graced by top dignitaries including Chief Lekan Alabi, who represented the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Osun State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ojo Abiodun, Prince Adeola Adelakun of Oje Parapo Worldwide, and Oyo State’s own Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun.
Makinde stressed that culture and tourism are key focus areas for his administration, and his government is committed to supporting efforts that will keep local traditions thriving. He added that by investing in cultural events and heritage, the state can boost its economy through tourism and increase revenue. He said, “We must not let our culture die. I’m glad to see young people taking part in this celebration, not just the elders.”
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