By JKNewsMedia
MOUNTING PRESSURE now confronts Nigeria’s state oil giant as the Senate Committee on Public Accounts handed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) a 10-day ultimatum to address 11 weighty financial queries.
These include unexplained receivables amounting to over ₦200 trillion and undocumented legal and audit expenses spanning the years 2017 to 2023, figures the committee described as deeply troubling and unacceptable.
NNPCL’s formal request for a two-month extension to respond was swiftly rejected by the committee, which insisted that the Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, must comply by July 10 or risk facing severe constitutional repercussions.
Committee chairman Senator Aliyu Wadada said the delay tactics would not be tolerated and emphasised the seriousness of the Senate’s oversight function.
“It is unacceptable. We have given them 10 working days. This committee will not tolerate delay tactics in matters concerning public funds,” Wadada declared.
He further warned that failure to meet the deadline would amount to contempt of the Senate. “Any attempt to disregard this committee’s directive will amount to contempt of the Senate. We are here to protect public funds, and we will not be deterred.”
The absence of NNPCL’s external auditors at the hearing also drew condemnation from the lawmakers, who stressed the need for full transparency in financial reporting by public institutions.
However, the session drew attendance from high-level government agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Department of State Services (DSS), and other key stakeholders representing all serving as witnesses to the unfolding probe.
