The Nigerian Senate has raised concerns that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has yet to provide a full account of N210 trillion cited in the 2017–2023 audit report by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Aliyu Wadada, made the disclosure on Thursday during a resumed hearing on the audit of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, according to NAN.

Wadada clarified that the Senate is not accusing NNPCL of misappropriation but insists on transparency regarding the flagged amount, stressing the legislature’s responsibility to ensure accountability in the management of public finances.

“The Senate on Thursday clarified that the alleged N210 trillion financial infractions raised against Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in the 2017-2023 audit report had yet to be accounted for by the company,” the source read in part.

It added that “Wadada maintained that NNPCL did not account for the said fund as raised by the reports, contrary to media reports that the money had been stolen by the company.”

Accounts has rejected a presentation by the Chief Financial Officer of the NNPCL, Dapo Segun, insisting that Group CEO Bayo Ojulari must appear in person to respond to audit queries.

Ojulari was absent from Thursday’s hearing, reportedly due to his attendance at an OPEC meeting in Vienna.

However, the committee maintained that only the GCEO can adequately address the issues raised in the 2017–2023 audit report.

Committee Chairman, Senator Aliyu Wadada, emphasized that the request is not personal but a reflection of the Senate’s responsibility to uphold accountability in the use of public funds.

Supporting the position, Senator Abdul Ningi noted that Ojulari has yet to appear before the committee since assuming office, despite receiving the most recent invitation ahead of his trip to Vienna.

Also speaking at the hearing, Senator Adams Oshiomhole cautioned against undermining the authority of the Senate, declaring that no individual is above the country’s institutions.

He stressed that the committee’s directive for NNPCL Group CEO Bayo Ojulari to appear is not optional, warning that failure to comply could trigger more serious consequences.