Senate Issues 72-Hour Deadline to NNPCL, CBN, NDDC

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has mandated a final 72-hour deadline for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and other government agencies to appear before it regarding outstanding audit queries. This ultimatum was issued after officials from these agencies failed to attend a scheduled meeting on Monday or provide reasons for their absence, leading to significant discontent among committee members.

Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, the committee chairman, emphasized that the hearings are part of the Senate's constitutional oversight duties aimed at enhancing accountability. Senators Babangida Hussaini and Patrick Ndubueze criticized the non-appearance as disrespectful to the National Assembly and called for appropriate consequences.

The committee has set August 6 as the date for the agencies to respond to the audit queries, warning that failure to comply could result in further legislative sanctions.