The Chairman, Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, on Monday questioned officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC, over their claim that there were “secrets” between them and their principal that could not be explained.
The development occurred during an oversight session where NNPC officials appeared before the Committee to provide updates on the company’s finances, debts, and receivables.
Senator Oshiomhole expressed concern over the statement, describing it as a “very serious problem” and “very pregnant.”
“You said something which indicates a very serious problem. You said there are secrets between you and your principal that you can’t explain. You are not entitled to keep secrets from your owners,” the Senator said.
“NNPC is 100% owned by the Nigerian masses. It is our business, and we have the mandate from the people to know everything entrusted to NNPC to manage,” he added.
The former Edo State Governor demanded an explanation of what the “secrets” referred to, stressing that transparency and accountability must guide the operations of the national oil company.
Senator Oshiomhole also raised questions on figures presented by NNPC regarding debtors and receivables. He insisted that those who owe and those being owed must be clearly identified.
According to him, such figures should only be presented after proper interaction and explanations with NNPC, and not from “cooked up” numbers.
He concluded by reminding the officials that it is not their duty to keep secrets from Nigerians, and that the National Assembly would continue to exercise its oversight mandate to ensure public assets are properly managed.
The NNPC team is expected to return to the Committee with detailed clarifications on the issues raised.