NASS Threatens To Sanction Petroleum Ministers For Shunning Budget Defence

The National Assembly has issued a stern warning of possible sanctions against the Ministers of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri (Oil) and Ekperikpe Ekpo (Gas), for their non-appearance at the 2024 budget defence session.

The joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Petroleum Resources expressed displeasure when the ministers failed to attend the scheduled budget defence session on Thursday. The committees had adjourned the meeting from the previous day, December 13, due to their absence.

Infuriated by the ministers’ nonattendance, the committee members emphasized the ministry’s significance to Nigeria’s economic sustenance and growth. They adjourned the session to Monday while threatening severe repercussions if the ministers fail to honour the invitations again.

Although the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Gabriel Aduda, and some officials attended to represent the ministers, the lawmakers rejected their presence, deeming Aduda incapable of engaging with the committee due to his lack of institutional capacity.

Senator Albert Bassey, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), expressed disappointment, stressing the importance of the ministers’ explanation regarding the 2024 budget.

“I am so disappointed… we cannot keep shifting. Maybe they are not ready, but nobody will undermine the powers of the National Assembly,” Sen. Bassey remarked, highlighting the necessity of the ministers’ attendance.

Similarly, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), conveyed dismay at the absence of the ministers, emphasizing the critical role of the oil and gas sector in the nation’s economy.

Ado-Doguwa underscored that the president, as the supervising minister, appointed two ministers of state, emphasizing the significance of their presence during this constitutional exercise.

Expressing deep concern, he remarked, “The president has made it clear that coming to the National Assembly to defend the budget is sacrosanct… So, in our view and from the inaction of these two ministers of state, it is like taking the presidential instruction for granted.”

He further emphasized that their absence disrespected the sanctity of the institution and vowed to utilize the available instruments to address the matter should the ministers continue to disregard the invitations.

Doguwa firmly addressed the permanent secretary, indicating his incapacity to represent the ministers, stating, “You cannot do it, your height is short of engaging us here with the ministry where you have the president as the supervising minister.”