The Nigerian Senate has given the head of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, 10 working days to respond to 11 serious financial concerns surrounding the company’s audited accounts. Lawmakers say the unexplained discrepancies include over ₦200 trillion in missing receivables and unrecorded payments for legal and audit services from 2017 to 2023.

The Senate Public Accounts Committee, led by Senator Aliyu Wadada, issued the deadline after rejecting NNPCL’s request for a two-month extension to address the queries. Wadada called the irregularities “unacceptable” and warned that ignoring the Senate’s directive could result in constitutional consequences.

“This committee won’t allow delay tactics when it comes to public money,” he said, emphasizing that any attempt to defy the order would be seen as contempt of the Senate.

Wadada also criticized the absence of NNPCL’s external auditors during the session, which was attended by representatives from the EFCC, NFIU, DSS, and other key agencies, all present as witnesses.

The ultimatum expires on July 10.