The Senate has issued a fresh ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, directing its management to appear before the Committee on Public Accounts by April 29 to explain ₦210 trillion flagged in audit reports covering 2017 to 2023.
The committee specifically asked the Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, to appear alongside his predecessor, Mele Kyari. Also expected before the panel are former Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajia, Bala Wunti, and the company’s external auditors.
The directive followed a motion moved by Senator Osita Izunaso and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole during the committee’s sitting.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Aliyu Wadada, said the issues raised in the audit reports must be thoroughly addressed, stressing that Nigerians deserve clear and convincing explanations.
He noted that previous responses submitted by the company to 19 audit queries were unsatisfactory, particularly regarding venture cash call expenses and funds allegedly tied to unnamed defunct banks.
“Detailed explanations are also required for the ₦107 trillion which NNPCL said was expended on joint venture cash calls as well as funds allegedly owed by some defunct banks whose identities were not disclosed,” Wadada said.
He added that although the Senate had granted the company an additional two weeks, the new deadline must be strictly observed.
Earlier, Senator Abdul Ningi called on the committee to invoke the powers of the National Assembly to compel attendance, citing repeated disregard for legislative summons.
“We must treat this matter with utmost seriousness. The strength of democracy rests significantly on the authority of the legislature,” he said.
Ningi warned that the growing reluctance of public institutions to honour invitations from lawmakers could undermine parliamentary oversight and accountability.
