Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas Ewomazino, representing Delta South Senatorial District, has expressed dismay over the outright refusal of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) and its contractors to disclose documents containing the contract agreements and variations for the execution of the NLNG Phase 7 project.
In the investigation being carried out by the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committee on Gas, headed by Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Senator Joel-Onowakpo highlighted that despite giving several weeks’ notice, the NLNG, represented by Executive Director, NLNG Train 7, Ali Uwais, decided to hide from Nigerians the extent to which the project has been completed.
The actions of NLNG and the contractor stalled the investigation, prompting the Joint Committee on Gas to adjourn its sitting to 13 June 2024. The committee vowed to involve the anti-graft agencies, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), at the next investigative sitting.
In a statement obtained by newsmen, the contractor explained that NLNG’s actions were based on the confidentiality of the contract, which specifically contains provisions prohibiting the disclosure of its contents to any authorities without NLNG’s express approval.
“The disclosure of the contract agreement, as well as details of any variation request in respect of the NLNG Project, is not within their sole discretion as the contract specifically contains confidentiality provisions that forbid the disclosure of its contents and other project information to the authorities without NLNG’s express written consent.”
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Additionally, Daewoo E&C, one of the contractors handling the NLNG Phase 7 project, requested a gazetted copy of the provision of section 88 of the 1999 Constitution, which the National Assembly leverages for its powers, in a letter.
“Given the above, considering the provisions of section 88 of the 1999 Constitution, which regulates the terms and conditions according to which the National Assembly exercises its powers, we will appreciate your obliging us with the gazetted copy of such a resolution or as published in the National Assembly’s journal as prescribed by law.”
However, the lawmakers insisted that NLNG and the contractors must present the documents by Tuesday, 11 June 2024, two days before the next investigative sitting.
