By Mercy Aikoye
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of Representatives has summoned the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Bayo Ojulari, to appear before it over audit queries.
The Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation raised queries on NNPCL’s expenditures between January and December 2021. The queries include alleged payments to contractors for abandoned projects and failure to deduct statutory taxes.
The PAC criticized NNPCL for failing to honor previous invitations and provide requested documents. “We have agreed as a committee to give you up till next week Monday, the 15th of December, for a fresh appearance,” said Hon. Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the Committee.
The committee warned NNPCL that it would no longer tolerate disregard for legislative oversight. Hon. Salam expressed displeasure over NNPCL’s persistent failure to comply with the committee’s requests.
The NNPCL is expected to submit all outstanding documents and respond to the audit queries on December 15. The company will face scrutiny over alleged irregular payments made by the Chief Finance Officer without approval.
Members of the PAC faulted NNPCL’s conduct, describing it as disrespectful to the parliament and obstructive to the audit review process. The company’s absence was attributed to another official engagement at the Presidential Villa.
The committee granted NNPCL a final chance to comply, despite the company’s history of non-compliance. “The committee is very busy; we are dealing with so many issues,” Hon. Salam said.
The NNPCL’s appearance before the PAC is a crucial step in ensuring accountability and transparency in the company’s operations. The outcome of the hearing will be closely watched by stakeholders.
