Falana Calls For Investigation Into Petrol Importation Scam

Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana has urged a thorough investigation into the ongoing Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) importation scam. Speaking during Channels Television’s “Sunday Politics” program, Falana emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, stating, “There is no better time to probe the petrol scam than now.”

Falana expressed skepticism about current efforts in the National Assembly, describing them as insufficient, and called on the media to collaborate with civil society organizations to expose the alleged fraud.

Recent reports indicate that a billion debt owed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to petrol suppliers has exacerbated the petrol scarcity in Nigeria. The NNPCL recently acknowledged this significant debt, admitting it threatens the country’s fuel supply sustainability.

“Once the government begins to speak about affordability and sustainability in response to growing queues at filling stations, there are problems,” Falana noted, highlighting concerns about the government’s transparency regarding fuel subsidies.

Falana also criticized the government’s handling of refinery repairs, pointing out that despite the expenditure of billion, the resumption of production at state-owned refineries has been repeatedly delayed. He warned that he would take legal action against those responsible if there is another postponement.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has previously stated that the high landing cost per litre of petrol has made it unfeasible for petrol marketers to import the commodity, leaving the NNPCL as the sole importer.