By Our Correspondent

National News – The Nigerian Senate has issued a firm directive to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to explain discrepancies amounting to N210 trillion flagged in audit reports covering 2017 to 2023.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Aliyu Wadada, set April 29, 2026, as the deadline for the company’s top officials to appear and provide detailed clarifications.

The summons affects key figures including Group Chief Executive Officer Bashir Bayo Ojulari and former GCEO Mele Kyari, alongside other senior executives and external auditors.

Lawmakers insist that previous responses to 19 audit queries were insufficient and lacked transparency.

Lawmakers questioned NNPCL’s claim that N103 trillion represented liabilities, demanding clear itemisation of retention fees, legal fees, and audit costs.

They also raised concerns about N107 trillion reportedly spent on joint venture cash calls and funds allegedly tied to unnamed defunct banks. The lack of specificity has intensified scrutiny.

During deliberations, Senator Abdul Ningi warned against repeated non-compliance with legislative invitations, stressing that such actions undermine democratic oversight.

The Senate hinted at invoking constitutional powers to compel attendance if necessary.

The probe highlights growing pressure on Nigeria’s oil sector to improve transparency and governance.

Analysts say the outcome could shape public trust and future reforms in the management of national resources.