By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday, announced the lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District, Ned Nwoko, as the new Chairman of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the turnaround maintenance of the country’s refineries.
Nwoko replaced Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who died on July 27, 2024, in London, the United Kingdom.
Recall that the Akpabio-led Senate established the ad-hoc committee on October 24, 2023, following concerns over the funds spent on refinery maintenance with no significant change in the nation’s refining capacity.
The committee was mandated to investigate the turnaround maintenance of the Federal Government-owned refineries, including reviewing all contracts awarded for their rehabilitation.
Late Ubah, upon his appointment, had promised to ensure transparency, accountability, and thoroughness in the investigation.
He stated, “Our goal is to uncover any mismanagement, corruption, or inefficiencies in the turnaround maintenance of the refineries and contract awards.”
He further emphasised the importance of site visits, stakeholder engagement, and gathering necessary information to make comprehensive recommendations to the Senate.
With the new Chairman, the Senate hopes the committee’s findings will promote accountability and improvements in refinery management in the country.