Nigeria’s Senate Public Accounts Committee has reportedly ordered the arrest of former Mele Kyari after he failed to appear before lawmakers investigating audit queries totaling approximately ₦210 trillion in the accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The probe centers on issues raised in audited financial statements covering 2017 to 2023. According to the committee, the queries involve about ₦103 trillion in joint venture cash-call obligations and roughly ₦107 trillion in receivables and other accounting items that lawmakers say require further explanation.
The Senate committee, now chaired by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo according to recent reports, expressed dissatisfaction with Kyari’s absence and insisted that key officials responsible for the period under review must personally appear to answer questions. Similar Senate investigations earlier this year warned that arrest warrants could be issued against former and current NNPCL executives who failed to honor invitations.
Former NNPCL Chief Financial Officer Umar Ajiya Isa reportedly appeared before the committee and rejected suggestions that ₦210 trillion had gone missing. He argued that the figure represents audit queries and accounting entries rather than proven missing funds, noting that NNPCL’s total reported revenue during the period was substantially lower than the amount being discussed. He also pointed lawmakers to the company’s audited financial statements as evidence that the transactions were documented.
During the hearing, Senator Adams Oshiomhole reportedly criticized NNPCL officials and called for stronger accountability measures, arguing that those who managed the company during the period must provide clear explanations to the Nigerian public.
It is important to note that the Senate investigation concerns audit discrepancies and accounting queries, not a judicial finding that ₦210 trillion was stolen or missing. The purpose of the hearings is to determine whether the questioned transactions were properly documented, justified, and compliant with financial regulations.
The committee has reportedly given relevant officials additional time to return with supporting documents and explanations. The outcome of the probe could have significant implications for transparency, governance, and public confidence in Nigeria’s oil sector, which remains the country’s largest source of export earnings and government revenue.
The investigation continues, and no court has yet ruled that the queried ₦210 trillion represents misappropriated funds. The Senate’s focus remains on obtaining satisfactory explanations for the figures contained in the audited accounts.
