Abuja: The Senate, through its Committee on Public Accounts, has given the management of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) until April 29 to appear before it.
The company must account for the N210 trillion flagged in audit reports from 2017 to 2023.
The committee directed NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mr Bayo Ojulari, and immediate past GCEO, Mr Mele Kyari, to appear on the scheduled date without fail.
Also expected to appear are former Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajia, Dr Bala Wunti, and the external auditors of the national oil company.
The committee’s resolutions followed a motion by Sen. Osita Izunaso (Imo West) and a second by Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North).
Chairman of the committee, Sen. Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West), said that the N210 trillion in question must be fully accounted for by the company’s management. This amount is stated in the audit reports.
Wadada said NNPCL’s explanations for the 19 audit queries, which addressed issues such as [specifics of audit concerns], were unsatisfactory.
He noted Nigerians deserved clear, detailed, and convincing responses to each query.
“This committee, and the Senate, reject NNPCL’s blanket explanation for the N103 trillion it claims as liabilities.
Liabilities include retention, legal, and audit fees. The amounts for each must be clearly explained.
“Detailed explanations are also required for the N107 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.
Consequently, the committee has resolved to give NNPCL an additional two weeks to appear without fail.
“The compliance deadline is Wednesday, April 29,” Wadada said.
Earlier, Sen. Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), a member of the committee, had called for the invocation of National Assembly powers to compel NNPCL officials to appear. He cited repeated failures by officials to honour invitations.
“We must treat this seriously. Democracy’s strength depends on the authority of the legislature.
“Unfortunately, there appears to be a growing reluctance to honour invitations from the National Assembly, leaving members feeling helpless in enforcing compliance,” he said.
