The senate committee on public accounts has asked the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to appear before it over the N210 trillion in liabilities and expenses flagged in audit reports.
The committee set April 29, as the deadline for the appearance.
In March, Mele Kyari, NNPC former group chief executive officer (GCEO), was summoned over alleged financial discrepancies totalling N210 trillion in the company’s audited financial statements from 2017 to 2023.
On Wednesday, the committee directed Bayo Ojulari, NNPC GCEO, to appear alongside Kyari, Umar Ajia, former chief financial officer, Bala Wunti, and the company’s external auditors.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Osita Izunaso, senator representing Imo west, and seconded by Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo north.
Aliyu Wadada, senator representing Nasarawa west and chairman of the committee, said the funds must be fully accounted for.
He said responses provided by NNPC to 19 audit queries were unsatisfactory.
“This committee and by extension, the senate, is not satisfied with blanket explanation given by NNPCL on N103 trillion, which it said stands for liabilities because liabilities are in three components, which are retention fee, legal fee, and audit fee,” he said.
“Specific amount of money spent on each of the three components must be stated and explained.
“Detailed explanation is also expected to be given on the N107 trillion NNPCL said it expended on JVC cash call and part of the money allegedly owed by some defunct banks whose names were not mentioned.
“Consequently, it is hereby resolved that the NNPCL is given an additional two weeks to unfailingly appear before this committee. The deadline for compliance is set for Wednesday, April 29, 2026.”
Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi central, called for measures to compel the appearance of NNPC officials.
“We must treat this matter with the utmost seriousness. The essence of democracy rests significantly on the strength and authority of the legislature,” he said.
Ningi said there appears to be a growing reluctance by individuals to honour invitations from the national assembly in recent times, “leaving members feeling helpless in compelling appearances before committees”.
