Reps probe N20bn theft by NNPCL officials

The House of Representatives has set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the alleged theft of about N20 billion by the officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance by the lawmaker representing Tarauni Federal constituency of Kano State, Hafiz Kawu, at the plenary in Abuja on Thursday, April 6.

The committee headed by Hon. Kingsley Chinda was ordered to complete its work within three weeks and report back to the House.

Moving the motion, Kawu said the NNPCL officials allegedly diverted about N20 billion under the guise of consultancy fees paid to Messrs Sapphire.

The lawmaker stated that the diverted funds were part of the money meant for the payment of taxes to state governments by the corporation.

“At a time when the Federal Government is doing its best to fight corruption and harnesses resources for the development of infrastructure, staff of an agency of government ought to be prudent in the utilisation of state resources not to corruptly divert same,” he added.

Kawu stressed that the “unethical and unwholesome” practice would negatively affect Nigeria’s fortunes and deprive other state governments of their revenue if no action is taken urgently by the House to eradicate it.

The Star

Segun Ojo