To ensure transparency in the petroleum sector, the Federal Government yesterday appointed former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as the chairman of a 21-man Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force.

It was not immediately clear if Ribadu has accepted the appointment or not.

The choice of Ribadu was announced in a statement in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mr. Goni M. Sheikh.

The statement said: “Consistent with the policies and promises of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s administration, and underpinned by the yearnings of the people of Nigeria for transparency in the Petroleum Industry, the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources has set up a Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force designed to enhance probity and accountability in operations of the Petroleum Industry.

“The Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force, is charged with the following terms of reference:

·To work with consultants and experts to determine and verify all petroleum upstream and downstream revenues (taxes, royalties, etc.) due and payable to the Federal Government of Nigeria;

·To take all necessary steps to collect all debts due and owing; to obtain agreements and enforce payment terms by all oil industry operators;

·To design a cross debt matrix between all Agencies and Parastatals of the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources;

·To develop an automated platform to enable effective tracking, monitoring, and online validation of income and debt drivers of all Parastatals and Agencies in the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources;

·To work with world-class consultants to integrate systems and technology across the production chain to determine and monitor crude oil production and exports, ensuring at all times, the integrity of payments to the Federal Government of Nigeria; and,

The statement said the Task Force will “submit monthly reports for ministerial review and further action.”

Other members of the panel are Mr. Steve Oronsaye       (Deputy Chairman); Mallam Abba Kyari; Ms. Benedicta Molokwu; Mr. Supo Sasore, SAN; Mr. Tony Idigbe, SAN; Mr. Anthony George-Ikoli, SAN; Dr. (Mrs.) Omolara Akanji; Mr. Olisa Agbakoba; Mr. Ituah Ighodalo; Mr. Bon Otti; and Prof. Olusegun Okunu.

Others are Mallam Samaila Zubairu; Mr.Ignatius Adegunle;       Mr. Gerald Ilukwe; Rep. of FIRS (Ex-Officio); Rep. of FMF Incorporated (Ex-Officio); Rep. of HAGF/HMJ (Ex-Officio); Rep. of OAGF (Ex-officio); Rep. of DPR (Ex-officio); and Rep. of NNPC (Ex-Officio).