Reps give NNPCL Dec 15th to resolve 2021 audit queries
The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has given the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) until Monday, December 15 to appear before it and submit all outstanding documents on audit queries relating to the company’s 2021 financial operations.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Bamidele Salam, issued the ultimatum on Monday during a sitting in Abuja, expressing concern over NNPCL’s repeated failure to honour invitations and provide documents requested by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation.
Hon. Salam said the committee was dissatisfied with what it described as the company’s disregard for legislative oversight, warning that the PAC would no longer tolerate conduct capable of obstructing its work.
At the sitting, the chairman read a letter from the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Engr. Bayo Ojulari, explaining his absence and citing another official engagement at the Presidential Villa.
Members of the committee, however, faulted the excuse, describing the company’s actions as disrespectful to parliament.
Following an appeal by the NNPCL National Assembly Liaison Officer, Hon. Umar Faruk, the committee resolved to grant a final extension and fixed December 15 for the appearance of NNPCL management.
The committee said the oil company is expected to respond to several audit queries, including alleged payments to contractors for abandoned projects, failure to deduct statutory taxes and irregular payments allegedly made by the Chief Finance Officer without the approval of the Group Managing Director.
