Audit queries: Senate issues fresh 72-hour deadline to NNPCL, CBN, others

Nigeria's Senate Committee on Public Accounts has issued a stern 72-hour ultimatum to several key government agencies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The directive demands their appearance to address unresolved audit queries.

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We wanted to reduce the volume of work to enhance our oversight. The letters and invitations were issued, but our guests have not arrived.

The committee handed down the ultimatum on Monday after officials from the targeted agencies failed to appear before lawmakers. Crucially, they also did not provide any formal explanation for their absence, prompting strong reactions from the senators. Chairman of the committee, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, stated that these invitations are part of the panel’s constitutional oversight responsibilities, aimed at enhancing their oversight efficiency.

Senators expressed significant displeasure over the agencies' no-show. Senator Babangida Hussaini described the development as "disrespectful to the National Assembly," emphasizing that the committee possesses significant powers. "The Senate is being taken for granted, and that must stop forthwith," he declared. Senator Patrick Ndubueze called for immediate sanctions, arguing that the agencies do not deserve a second chance after failing to honor the invitations without explanation. "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.

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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.

Following deliberations, the committee resolved to issue what it termed a final ultimatum, directing the affected agencies to appear before it by August 6. The lawmakers warned that failure to comply with this summons could lead to further legislative actions, underscoring the seriousness with which they view the agencies' non-compliance.

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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.