The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has once again failed to appear before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts over ₦210 trillion reportedly unaccounted for in the company’s audit reports spanning 2017 to 2023.
The committee, chaired by Senator Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West), had earlier issued a 10-day ultimatum to Ojulari, directing him to appear before it on Thursday to provide clarifications on the matter.
However, rather than attend the hearing in person, the NNPCL boss sent a delegation of representatives—an action the committee flatly rejected.
Lawmakers declined to engage with the NNPCL officials, insisting that only the GCEO could respond to the 11 key financial queries raised in the audit statements.
Senator Wadada expressed displeasure over Ojulari’s repeated absence, describing it as a “direct affront to the authority of the National Assembly” and a violation of its constitutional oversight mandate.
“The Senate will not tolerate further disrespect,” Wadada warned, adding that the committee would communicate a new date for Ojulari’s mandatory appearance.
The Public Accounts Committee is investigating discrepancies in the NNPCL’s financial records, which lawmakers say raise serious concerns over accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.
