By ERICJAMES OCHIGBO

The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Implementation and Oversight of the Naira-for-Crude Oil Policy has ordered all stakeholders to submit requested documents on or before Nov. 27.

Chairman of the committee, Rep. Boniface Emerengwa (PDP-Rivers), gave the order at an abridged hearing on Thursday in Abuja, following the failure of some stakeholders to submit documents and appear before the committee.

?The investigative hearing scheduled for today, 20th November, 2025, has been adjourned due to the gross negligence and lack of seriousness displayed by relevant stakeholders.

?Despite ample notice, the majority of stakeholders failed to recognise the role of the legislative arm in working with the executive for the effective implementation of the policy by their failure to submit their required documents within the stipulated time frame.

?This dereliction of duty has not only undermined the integrity of the committee?s work but has also cast a shadow of unseriousness over a matter of national importance.

?The committee views this conduct as a blatant disregard for the legislative process and a disrespect to the Nigerian people whose interests we are mandated to protect.

?Let it be unequivocally stated, the committee is deeply disappointed. The failure to submit documents on time has impeded our ability to conduct proper vetting and due diligence, thereby frustrating the investigative process,? he said.

Emerengwa said that the extension was a final opportunity for stakeholders to demonstrate their commitment to transparency and cooperation.

?Furthermore, the investigative hearing has been rescheduled to 2nd December 2025, 12:00 AM, Conference Room 440. This date is final and non-negotiable,? he said.

The lawmaker warned that failure to comply with the extended deadline would attract severe sanctions.

?The committee will not hesitate to invoke its full legislative powers, including but not limited to issuance of summons and subpoenas, public naming and shaming of non-compliant entities, recommendation of sanctions to relevant regulatory and executive bodies and escalation to plenary for further disciplinary action,? he said.

The chairman said that the committee was constituted to ensure transparency, accountability and effective oversight of the policy which had far-reaching implications for the economy and national development.

He advised all stakeholders to treat the ultimatum with the seriousness it deserved, as the policy was not a peripheral issue but one at the centre of the nation?s economic sovereignty and fiscal accountability.

He also urged all stakeholders to submit their documents by the new deadline and prepare to appear before the committee on the rescheduled hearing date. (NAN)

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