Senate orders Ojulari-led NNPCL to bring Kyari, others over missing N210trn

The Senate, on Wednesday, through its Committee on Public Accounts, has set April 29, 2026 as the deadline for the Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to appear before it to account for the unaccounted N210 trillion flagged in audit reports spanning 2017 to 2023.

The Committee specifically directed Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, to lead Mele Kyari, the immediate past GCEO; Umar Ajia, former Chief Financial Officer; Bala Wunti; and the company’s external auditors to appear before it on the said date without fail.

The resolutions followed a motion moved by Osita Izunaso (Imo West) and seconded by Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North).

Ruling on the matter, Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West), Chairman of the Committee, stressed that the unaccounted N210 trillion, as captured in the audit reports, must be fully explained by the NNPCL management, particularly the immediate past leadership under Mele Kyari.

According to him, the explanations provided by the company to the 19 audit queries were unsatisfactory, noting that Nigerians deserve detailed and convincing clarifications.

“This committee and by extension, the Senate, is not satisfied with blanket explanation given by NNPCL on N103trillion which it said, stands for liabilities because liabilities are in three components which are retention fee, legal fee and audit fee.

“Specific amount of money spent on each of the three components, must be stated and explained.

“Detailed explanation is also expected to be given on the N107trillion , NNPCL said it expended on JVC cash call and part of the money allegedly owed by some defunct banks whose names were not mentioned.

“Consequently, it is hereby resolved , that the NNPCL is given an additional two weeks to unfailingly appear before this committee.

“The deadline for compliance is set for Wednesday, April 29, 2026,” he added.

Earlier, before the resolution, Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), a member of the committee, called for the invocation of the National Assembly’s powers to compel the appearance of NNPCL management, citing repeated failures to honour invitations.

Ningi noted, “We must treat this matter with the utmost seriousness. The essence of democracy rests significantly on the strength and authority of the legislature.

“Unfortunately, in recent times, there appears to be a growing reluctance by individuals to honour invitations from the National Assembly, leaving members feeling helpless in compelling appearances before the Committees.”