The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has given the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and several other government agencies 72 hours to appear before it over unresolved audit queries.
The ultimatum was issued on Monday after representatives of the invited agencies failed to attend the committee’s meeting and did not provide reasons for their absence.
Speaking during the session, Chairman of the committee, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, said the invitations were sent as part of the committee’s constitutional oversight responsibilities and to speed up the consideration of pending audit issues.
“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.
Committee member Senator Babangida Hussaini condemned the agencies’ failure to honour the invitations, describing 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 contributing, Senator Patrick Ndubueze urged the committee to impose sanctions on the affected agencies, arguing that they should not be granted another opportunity after failing to appear without any official 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.
After deliberations, the committee resolved to issue a final 72-hour deadline, directing the affected agencies to appear before it on August 6 or risk further legislative action.
