By Kebba AF Touray
The General Manager of the Gambia National Petroleum Company (GNPC), Mr. Yoro Jallow, has reappeared before the National Assembly’s joint committee of the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) and the Public Enterprises Committee (PEC) to submit critical documents requested by lawmakers in the ongoing investigation into a major petroleum scandal that has gripped the country’s energy sector.
GNPC, as a national stakeholder in petroleum management, is under scrutiny for its oversight and involvement—or lack thereof—in ensuring compliance with best practices in the storage and distribution of fuel. The reappearance of Mr. Jallow highlights the seriousness with which lawmakers are approaching their mandate and their determination to hold all parties accountable.
Mr. Jallow, flanked by senior GNPC officials, appeared before the joint committee for the second time following an earlier session on 22 August 2024. During that initial appearance, committee members asked him to provide key documentation relating to the storage and management of petroleum products linked to the controversial disappearance of over 36,000 metric tons of fuel—products valued at more than US$30 million or approximately D2.13 billion at the current exchange rate.
The documents requested included: the ullage application guidelines for storage; the storage agreement between Apogee FZC and Gam Petroleum; and the memorandum and articles of association of Gam Petroleum. These documents are regarded as vital to establishing the operational frameworks and corporate responsibilities that underpin petroleum storage arrangements in the country.
During the hearing, Mr. Jallow informed committee members that he and his team had submitted the documents as instructed. However, Hon. Alhagie S. Darboe, co-chairperson of the joint committee, revealed that the committee could not trace the documents. This prompted the committee to reassign Mr. Jallow and his team to re-provide the missing documents. They were given until Wednesday, 7 May 2025, to comply with the directive.
In response, Mr. Jallow assured the committee that he and his staff remain committed to full cooperation and would re-submit the documents within the stated deadline.
The inquiry stems from a national scandal involving the alleged disappearance or mismanagement of petroleum products at the Gam Petroleum storage facility in Mandinari.
The fallout from the incident was immediate and severe. Several senior officials from Gam Petroleum were arrested and charged, and the scandal led to widespread fuel shortages across the country. It also undermined public confidence in institutions tasked with safeguarding strategic national resources.
Apogee FZC, a foreign company believed to be a key party in the storage agreement with Gam Petroleum, became a central focus in the investigation due to its contractual ties and operational role in the management of the fuel in question. The absence of clear and accessible agreements raised questions about transparency, due diligence, and corporate accountability in the sector.
The National Assembly established the joint committee of FPAC and PEC to lead a comprehensive inquiry aimed at uncovering the full extent of the mismanagement, identifying responsible parties, and recommending measures to prevent future occurrences. The committee’s mandate includes reviewing storage protocols, regulatory oversight mechanisms, corporate governance at public enterprises, and the role of foreign partners.
As the inquiry continues, the committee is expected to summon additional witnesses and conduct a thorough review of all submitted documents to determine the chain of responsibility and recommend appropriate actions, including institutional reforms and possible legal proceedings.
