Falana calls for probe into petrol importation scam

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has urged a prompt investigation into the Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) importation scam.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Falana emphasized that now is the ideal time to launch a probe into the scam. “It is time the importation scam is thoroughly investigated. I am not referring to the ongoing show at the National Assembly. The media must assist civil society organizations in exposing the fraud,” he said.

Reports have surfaced that a $6 billion debt owed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to petrol suppliers has exacerbated the fuel scarcity in Nigeria.

DAILY POST recalls that NNPCL admitted on Sunday to its large debt, acknowledging that it threatens the sustainability of fuel supply.

“When the government starts talking about affordability and sustainability in response to long queues at filling stations, it indicates serious problems,” Falana remarked.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria criticized the government’s lack of transparency regarding petrol subsidies, pointing out that despite spending $2.9 billion to repair refineries, the dates for resuming production keep getting postponed.

Falana warned that he would take legal action against those responsible for fixing the state-owned refineries if another delay is announced.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has stated that the high landing cost per litre of petrol has made it difficult for marketers to import fuel, a task previously handled by NNPCL.