The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has issued a 10-day ultimatum to Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), demanding a response to 11 critical financial queries.
The committee warned that failure to comply by the July 10 deadline could lead to “serious constitutional consequences.”
Chaired by Senator Aliyu Wadada, the committee had previously expressed strong dissatisfaction with what it called “mind-boggling and unacceptable” financial irregularities in NNPCL’s audited statements from 2017 to 2023.
Read Also: Senate Confirms Akpabio’s Daughter, 17 Others For South South Development Commission Board
These discrepancies include over ₦200 trillion in unexplained receivables and undocumented legal and audit fees.
The ultimatum was issued after NNPCL’s request for a two-month extension to respond was “flatly rejected” by the committee.
Senator Wadada stated, “It is unacceptable. We have given them 10 working days. This committee will not tolerate delay tactics in matters concerning public funds.”
He warned that if the NNPCL boss fails to respond, the Senate will be forced to use its constitutional oversight powers. “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,” Wadada asserted.
The Senator also lamented the absence of NNPCL’s external auditors at the hearing, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
Representatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Department of States Services (DSS), and other key stakeholders attended the session as witnesses.
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
