NNPCL, OTHERS HINDER PROBE, SENATE

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has accused key government agencies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), of hindering the efforts of both the National Assembly and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu, the committee’s chairman, expressed his frustration during a press briefing in Abuja, criticizing these agencies for failing to cooperate with investigations into the 2019 audit report. The non-compliance, according to the senator, is obstructing the committee’s mandate to ensure transparency and accountability within the government.

The committee has been reviewing the audit report since October 2023 but has encountered resistance from several agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, and the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office. Senator Wadada warned that continued non-compliance would result in these agencies being reported to the Senate for further action.

The lawmaker emphasized that the current administration under President Tinubu is committed to improving Nigeria, but the lack of cooperation from key agencies is a significant roadblock. The Senate Committee on Public Accounts plays a crucial role in scrutinizing government expenditures and preventing financial misconduct, making the cooperation of these agencies vital to national governance.