By Anayo Akwitti
The Nigerian Senate has given the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited NNPCL, until April 29, 2026, to appear before its Public Accounts Committee to explain an alleged N210 trillion unaccounted for in audit reports spanning 2017 to 2023.
The committee directed the Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, to appear alongside former GCEO Mele Kyari, former Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajia, Dr Bala Wunti, and the company’s external auditors.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Senator Osita Izunaso and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Aliyu Wadada, said the Senate was dissatisfied with explanations so far provided by the oil company, insisting that Nigerians deserve clear and detailed accountability.
On the strength of the resolutions , the Chairman of the committee , Senator Aliyu Wadada ( Nasarawa West ) , emphasized that the unaccounted N210trillion by NNPCL as contained in the audit reports of 2017 to 2023 , must be accounted for by management of the agency
According to him , explanations or answers given by NNPCL to the 19 queries raised on the unaccounted N210trillion, were unacceptable as Nigerians are entitled to convincing and detailed explanations .
” This committee and by extension, the Senate, is not satisfied with blanket explanation given by NNPCL on N103trillion which it said , stands for liabilities because liabilities are in three components which are retention fee, legal fee and audit fee .
” 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 N107trillion , 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 “, he said .
Earlier , a member of the committee, Senator Abdul Ningi ( Bauchi Central ) , called for invocation of powers of the National Assembly to compel the appearance of NNPCL management, having failed repeatedly to appear before it .
“We must treat this matter with the utmost seriousness. The essence of democracy rests significantly on the strength and authority of the legislature.
“In recent times, there appears to be a growing reluctance by individuals to honour invitations from the National Assembly, leaving members feeling helpless in compelling appearances before committees.”, he said .
