Repeated Defiance Sparks Accountability Showdown Between Parliament and Oil Giant
Abuja — Nigeria’s House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts has drawn a red line, issuing a Dec. 15 ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) to appear before parliament and account for trillions of naira in alleged revenue leakages.
The ruling, delivered by Committee Chairman Rep. Bamidele Salam, follows NNPCL’s repeated failure to honour seven separate invitations. Lawmakers described the company’s excuses — including citing a last-minute presidential meeting — as “unacceptable” and “contemptuous of parliament.”
Why It Matters
Trillions at stake: The Auditor-General for the Federation flagged massive leakages that should have accrued to the government but were not remitted into the federation account.
Accountability crisis: Lawmakers insist NNPCL’s repeated defiance undermines corporate governance and national transparency.
Political showdown: The committee rejected NNPCL’s request for a 60-day extension, insisting the company must face parliament on Dec. 15.
Lawmakers Speak Out
Rep. Salam: “The only way we will agree this is a new NNPCL is to see a shift in accountability. We do not think the NNPCL should continue in this seeming contempt of parliament.”
Rep. Hassan Bappa (PDP-Taraba): “NNPCL cannot be above the committee. This is their final bus stop.”
Rep. Kafilat Ogbara (APC-Lagos): “They should not be allowed to dictate the date. Parliament must compel them to appear.”
The Stakes
This confrontation sets up a major test of Nigeria’s democratic oversight. If NNPCL fails to comply, lawmakers may escalate by moving to compel attendance — a move that could trigger broader political and economic consequences.
NNPCL’s Defense
NNPCL’s Liaison Officer, Mr. Umar Farooq, insisted the absence was not deliberate, citing a late directive from the presidency. He pledged that “a new NNPCL is willing and ready to partner with parliament for the good of all Nigerians.”