The House of Representatives has resolved to probe the $22 billion Brass Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project. The House also resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to undertake the assignment. The committee is expected to report back to the House within six weeks for further legislative action.
This followed the adoption of a motion on the “urgent need to investigate the implementation of the $22 billion Brass LNG project,” moved by Kingsley Chinda at last week’s plenary.
Chinda, in his lead debate, said there have been several allegations of mismanagement of $22 billion meant for the take off and running of the Brass LNG project. The lawmaker, while calling on the House to institute an urgent probe into the matter, noted that unless the issue of allegations are investigated, the essence of the fight against corruption in the country would have been defeated.
He observed that government investment in the Brass LNG was enormous, and as such issues relating to the project should not be treated with levity.
“The Brass LNG project was originally set up in 2003 with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) owning 49 per cent and other affiliates namely, Conoco Phillips, ENI and Chevron holding 17 per cent.
“The project has been stuck in the planning stages for more than a decade with some Western partners having to pull out because of tough operating conditions and an unfavourable investment environment,” he stated.
