By Erewunmi Peace

The Nigerian Senate has directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) to provide detailed explanations regarding audit queries totaling about ₦210 trillion, covering discrepancies raised in financial reports between 2017 and 2023.

The Senate Public Accounts Committee issued the directive after stating that earlier responses from the oil company were not sufficient to clarify the issues flagged in the audit reports.

According to the committee, top officials of NNPC, including both current and former leadership, are expected to appear before lawmakers to account for the figures and provide proper documentation supporting the transactions in question.

The Senate has set a deadline of April 29, 2026, for the company to respond fully and appear before the committee.

However, lawmakers clarified that the figures in question represent audit queries and not confirmed allegations of fraud. The process is part of ongoing legislative oversight aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in public financial records.

The development has drawn public attention due to the large amount involved, as Nigerians await further clarification from the national oil company.