Abuja: The Senate has clarified that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has yet to account for an alleged N210 trillion financial infraction as highlighted in the 2017-2023 audit report. This clarification was made during a session of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Sen. Aliyu Wadada, which focused on reviewing the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation's audit on the expenditure of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the committee had previously directed NNPCL's Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Bayo Ojulari, to appear before it on July 10 to address the audit report's findings. However, Ojulari was absent due to attending an Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meeting in Vienna, Austria, and his representative, Chief Financial Officer Mr. Dapo Segun, was not permitted to present on his behalf. The committee has now ordered Ojulari to appear at a future date to explain the financial discrepancies and respond to other queries.
Wadada emphasized that the committee's actions are part of its constitutional duty to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, stating that they are not accusing NNPCL of theft but require the company to account for the unaccounted funds. He reiterated that the GCEO must appear before the committee to provide explanations.
Sen. Abdul Ningi criticized the absence of NNPCL's GCEO from the committee's sessions, calling it disturbing and unacceptable. He stressed that Ojulari should prioritize appearing before the Senate over other engagements, highlighting that the invitation was issued before the OPEC meeting.
Sen. Adams Oshiomhole also expressed disapproval of Ojulari's consistent failure to attend the sessions, asserting that no one is above accountability to the nation. He insisted that Ojulari should comply with the committee's directive to appear, warning that the opportunity to do so is limited.