The Senate Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has given the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) until April 29 to account for N210 trillion flagged in audit reports spanning 2017 to 2023.
The committee directed the current Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Bayo Ojulari, to appear alongside his predecessor, Mele Kyari.
This followed a motion moved by Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North).
The summons also includes former Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajia, Bala Wunti, and the company’s external auditors.
Committee Chairman Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West) stated that the explanations provided by NNPCL regarding 19 audit queries were unsatisfactory.
He criticised the “blanket explanation” provided for N103 trillion, which the company categorised as liabilities, noting that Nigerians deserve detailed and convincing responses.
Wadada demanded a specific breakdown of these liabilities, including exact amounts spent on retention fees, legal fees, and audit fees.
Furthermore, the committee requested detailed clarification for N107 trillion, which NNPCL attributed to joint venture cash calls and funds allegedly owed by undisclosed defunct banks.
The summons comes amid growing concerns regarding legislative oversight.
At the plenary, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) had called for the National Assembly to invoke its powers to compel the appearance of NNPCL officials, citing a pattern of agencies failing to honour invitations.
“We must treat this matter with utmost seriousness,” Ningi said, adding that the reluctance of officials to comply undermines the authority of the legislature.
