ABUJA – THE Senate has vowed that it would unravel all the shady issues around the Petroleum Sector, just as it assured that it was also prepared to tackle the persistent lack of transparency in Nigeria’s petroleum industry, which he likens to a “cabal.”

Speaking to Journalists yesterday, the newly appointed chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Senator Sumaila Kawu, NNPP, Kano South gave detailed of his plans to throw more light on the sector’s operations and engage the public in meaningful dialogue.

Kawu was appointed yesterday by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio as chairman of the Committee following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Uba who represented Anambra South.

Speaking on the rising fuel prices impacting on Nigerians daily, Kawu who stressed the urgent need for clarity and accountability within the industry, said, “Our first step will be to study the current situation and gather information from relevant agencies.”

The Senator who highlighted the importance of holding public hearings, which will allow citizens to voice their concerns and experiences directly, said that the committee will focus specifically on reviewing contracts awarded by previous administrations and overseeing the current contracts for refinery repairs.

Kawu who promised to expose any irregularities and ensure that funds are being used effectively, said, “We need to ask the hard questions and hold a public hearing to allow Nigerians to express their views.”

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In his commitment to transparency, Kawu who detailed his plans to engage with stakeholders, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPC L and refinery operators, to understand the barriers to efficient production and accountability, said that the recent visits to the refineries have given course fir concerns about unmet production timelines, prompting a call for a more rigorous evaluation of the situation.

Kawu’s focus on transparency is not only about identifying issues, but also about fostering a culture of openness within the sector, just as he promised to use the committee to dismantle the “cabal-like” operations that have characterized the industry, ensuring that decision-making processes are accessible and understandable to the public.

Senator Kawu expressed determination to implement measures that will stabilize the petroleum sector and address the legitimate concerns of Nigerians, adding that he would prioritize transparency and public engagement, with the hope to restore confidence in the management of Nigeria’s petroleum resources.