The Nigerian Senate has distanced itself from comments made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole describing officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as “thieves,” while also declaring that the arrest warrant issued against former NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, lacked proper authorization.
The development followed heated debates during Thursday’s plenary session as lawmakers reviewed the activities of the Senate Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in its ongoing investigation into the financial records of the state-owned oil company.
The Senate emphasized that Oshiomhole’s remarks represented his personal opinion and should not be interpreted as the official position of the National Assembly. Several lawmakers expressed concern that such comments could damage the reputation of one of Nigeria’s most strategic national institutions.
The controversy stems from an ongoing probe into audit queries relating to NNPCL’s operations between 2017 and 2023. The investigation reportedly involves 19 audit observations, including concerns over approximately ₦210 trillion in joint venture liabilities and subsidy-related deposits reflected in the company’s financial statements.
Former NNPCL Chief Financial Officer, Umar Isa Ajiya, had previously explained that the figures in question were accounting obligations and liabilities rather than missing or stolen funds. According to him, the amounts should not be interpreted as evidence of financial misappropriation.
During the plenary, lawmakers also addressed the Public Accounts Committee’s decision to issue an arrest warrant against former NNPCL boss Mele Kyari after he reportedly failed to honour nine invitations by the committee. It was revealed that Kyari had communicated that he was receiving medical treatment outside the country.
The Senate subsequently ruled that the committee did not possess the authority to issue an arrest warrant without obtaining approval from the Senate leadership. The decision effectively halted the enforcement of the warrant and reaffirmed procedural guidelines governing committee investigations.
Reacting to Oshiomhole’s remarks, Senator Adamu Aliero criticized the former Edo State governor, describing his statements as reckless and potentially damaging to the image of NNPCL.
“Your statement is reckless. NNPC is our cash cow,” Aliero reportedly stated during deliberations.
Similarly, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu cautioned against criminalizing the entire organization, stressing that allegations against individuals should not be used to tarnish the reputation of the company as a whole.
“It is not good for Adams Oshiomhole to criminalize a big company like NNPCL. It is not acceptable at all,” Kalu said.
However, Oshiomhole defended his position, insisting that no institution should be considered above legislative scrutiny. He maintained that the Senate has a responsibility to investigate allegations of financial irregularities wherever they arise.
“If people think NNPCL is bigger than the institution of the Senate, I stand alone to say no,” Oshiomhole declared.
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The episode highlights growing tensions within the National Assembly over how to balance robust oversight of public institutions with the need to protect the credibility of critical national assets. As the investigation continues, lawmakers are expected to intensify scrutiny of NNPCL’s financial records while adhering to established legislative procedures.
