Senate Sets April 29 Deadline for NNPCL Audit Queries

The Senate of Nigeria has mandated the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to appear before the Public Accounts Committee by April 29 to respond to audit queries amounting to N210 trillion, covering the years 2017 to 2023. The committee, led by Chairman Aliyu Wadada, directed Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari to attend alongside former CEO Mele Kyari and former Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajia, as well as Dr.

Bala Wunti, the external auditor. This decision followed a motion by Senator Osita Izunaso and was seconded by Senator Adam Oshiomhole.

The committee highlighted that NNPCL's previous responses to 19 audit queries were unsatisfactory, particularly regarding claims of N103 trillion in liabilities and N107 trillion in expenditures related to joint venture cash calls. The committee expressed frustration over NNPCL's repeated failures to honor invitations and emphasized the importance of accountability, invoking the National Assembly's authority to compel compliance.