A civil society organisation, Vanguard for Probity and Accountability, has alleged massive irregularities in the recently audited account of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), challenging the company to come clean and shun frivolous lifestyle at the expense of the taxpaying masses.
The group further alleged that the NNPCL Board has concluded plans to fly to Kigali, Rwanda, on five private jets arranged by the son-in-law of a highly influential politically exposed person, insisting on accountability.
In a statement in Port Harcourt on Thursday, the group’s National Coordinator, Dr. Joel Abba said the recent revelation by the Senate in which financial discrepancies totalling over N210tn in NNPCL audited financial statements spanning 2017 to 2023 calls for worry, wondering if some few privileged individuals are feasting on our common patrimony amidst hardship and poverty among a larger population of Nigerians.
The Senate on Wednesday gave NNPCL one week to explain the over N210tn in financial discrepancies in its audited financial statements.
Lawmakers expressed outrage over what they described as “mind-boggling” irregularities in figures listed under accrued expenses and receivables in the company’s official reports.
The committee Chairman, Aliyu Wadada, did not mince words, branding the inconsistencies as “unacceptable” and warning that the Senate would pursue the matter to the full extent of its oversight powers.
Backing the Senate, Vanguard for Probity and Accountability said NNPCL has demonstrated crass insensitivity, arrogance and lack of accountability.
“The discovery leaves more to be desired. To add salt to injury, the Board has planned an extravagant trip to Kigali, Rwanda this Friday on five private jets, which amount to over a billion Naira.
“This is absurdity taken too far. We are obviously being taken for granted by this crop of leaders manning our oil sector. Little wonder Nigerians have been paying heavily on petrol just for a few individuals to finance an obscene lifestyle”, the group said.
It called on the Nigerian Senate to remain resolute and firm and ensure that everyone involved in the misappropriation of public funds is held accountable.
Joel Abba
National cordinator , Vanguard for Probity and Accountability.
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