The proposed Joint Investigative Hearing of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Petroleum Resources was, on Thursday, stalled following concerns over inadequate documentation and short notice to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, informed the joint panel that his office received the invitation letter only a day earlier, making it difficult for the ministry and its agencies to assemble all the requested documents.

Following the Minister’s explanation, Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, suggested that the hearing be adjourned to allow the ministry adequate time to furnish lawmakers with the necessary documents for a productive session.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Gas, Agom Jarigbe, who co-chaired the joint session, also noted the absence of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, describing her presence as pivotal to the discussions.

Similarly, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum, Sumaila Kawu, commended the ministry for honouring the invitation despite the short notice but supported calls for an adjournment.

The joint committee, subsequently, agreed to reschedule the investigative hearing to March 5 to enable the ministry and relevant agencies submit the required documentation and ensure a comprehensive engagement.