The Vanguard for Probity and Accountability, a civil society organisation (CSO), has alleged massive irregularities in the recently audited account of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital, Joel Abba, the national coordinator of the group, challenged the NNPCCL to come clean and shun frivolous lifestyle at the expense of the taxpaying masses.
According to the group, 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 and called for accountability.
Abba said the senate’s recent revelation of financial discrepancies exceeding N210 trillion in NNPCL’s audited financial statements from 2017 to 2023 is cause for concern
The senate on Wednesday gave NNPCL one week deadline to explain the financial discrepancies of over N210 trillion in its audited financial statements.
The 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.
Aliyu Wadada, chairman of the committee, described the inconsistencies as “unacceptable” and warned 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,” the statement reads.
“This is absurdity taken too far. We are obviously being taken for granted by these crops of leaders manning our oil sector.
“Little wonder Nigerians have been paying heavily on petrol just for few individuals to finance and obscene lifestyle.”
The CSO called on the senate to remain resolute and firm and ensure that everyone involved in misappropriation of public finance is brought to account.
