Senate Committee Threatens to Arrest NNPCL GCEO Over ₦210 Trillion Audit Query

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has issued a 10-working-day ultimatum to the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, threatening to issue an arrest warrant if he fails to personally appear before it to respond to audit queries involving ₦210 trillion.

The committee, chaired by Senator Ahmed Wadada, gave the warning during its sitting on Wednesday, insisting that Ojulari must appear on or before July 10, 2025.

The Senate said the corporation must respond to 11 serious audit issues uncovered in the report of the Auditor-General of the Federation, covering financial transactions between 2017 and 2021.

According to the Senate, the ₦210 trillion includes ₦103 trillion in accrued expenses and another ₦107 trillion categorized as receivables or unreconciled joint venture cash calls.

The committee stressed that these discrepancies must be addressed urgently and transparently.

The NNPCL had earlier written to the committee requesting a two-month extension to enable it to gather necessary documentation, citing an internal corporate retreat and the complexity of the records.

However, the committee rejected the request, describing it as an attempt to evade accountability and warning that constitutional powers would be used to compel Ojulari’s appearance if necessary.

Senator Wadada stated that the committee would not accept excuses, emphasizing that public officials have a duty to appear when summoned in connection with public funds.

He said the Senate would not hesitate to direct the Inspector-General of Police to arrest and produce the NNPCL boss if he fails to show up by the deadline.

The committee also expressed dissatisfaction with other government agencies that have failed to respond to similar audit invitations, including the FCT High Court, Ministry of Finance, and the Ministries of Solid Minerals and Steel Development.

The committee warned that the same measures would be applied to all defaulting entities.

This development has drawn national attention as it reflects heightened scrutiny of NNPCL’s operations and financial practices, particularly after its transition into a limited liability company under the Petroleum Industry Act. As of the time of filing this report, NNPCL has not issued an official response to the Senate’s threat.