Senate reissues summons to NNPCL, CBN, NDDC over audit concerns

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and some other government bodies to appear before it within 72 hours due to their non-appearance at its invitation regarding audits.

This ultimatum came during the sitting of the committee on Monday when the representatives of these agencies were absent from the session without giving any official reason for this absence.

While addressing the committee, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, chairman of the committee, said the absence of these agencies was unacceptable since the invitation of the agencies was related to the constitutional duties of the committee.

Dankwambo explained that the committee was working to clear pending audit issues and improve the efficiency of its oversight functions, adding that cooperation from the agencies was essential to achieving that objective.

He warned that the affected organisations must appear before the committee within 72 hours to respond to the audit queries or risk further legislative action in line with the powers of the National Assembly.

“We wanted to reduce the volume of work to enhance our oversight. The letters and invitations were issued, but our guests have not arrived,” he said.

Expressing displeasure over the agencies’ absence, committee member Senator Babangida Hussaini described the action as disrespectful to the National Assembly.

“The committee has powers, and it is most disrespectful to the National Assembly for any agency to fail to appear to respond to audit queries. This committee needs to take drastic action. The Senate is being taken for granted, and that must stop forthwith,” he said.

Also speaking, Senator Patrick Ndubueze called for sanctions against the defaulting agencies, arguing that they should not be given another opportunity after failing to honour the invitations without any explanation.

“The proper consequences should be laid down and carried out. They don’t deserve a second chance. If they can’t attend to this important arm of government after invitations were sent and no explanations were given, they don’t deserve another chance,” he stated.

Following deliberations, the committee resolved to give the affected agencies a final 72-hour ultimatum to appear before it on August 6, warning that failure to comply could attract further legislative action.