By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
The Senate on Monday threatened to invoke its constitutional powers against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) after the agencies failed to honour summons to appear before lawmakers investigating Nigeria’s oil and gas audit reports.
The absence of the four agencies stalled the opening session of a three-week investigative hearing by the Senate Public Accounts Committee into the 2021, 2022 and 2023 NEITI Oil and Gas Industry Audit Reports, a probe expected to scrutinise revenues, remittances and compliance with statutory obligations in the country’s extractive sector.
Visibly displeased by what lawmakers described as a blatant disregard for legislative authority, the committee vowed that continued defiance would attract constitutional sanctions.
Committee Chairman, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, said the agencies had acknowledged receipt of invitation letters issued on July 9, while notices of the public hearing were also published in national newspapers. Yet, none appeared before the committee or communicated reasons for their absence.
“Invitation letters were duly issued, the agencies acknowledged receipt, and notices of this hearing were published in national newspapers. Yet, more than an hour after the scheduled commencement, none of the invited agencies appeared.”
Agencies warned to appear Thursday or face constitutional consequences
Following deliberations, the committee issued what it described as a final ultimatum, directing the defaulting agencies to appear before it on Thursday, August 6, or face the full weight of the Senate’s constitutional powers.
“This committee, and indeed the National Assembly, is prepared to invoke the constitutional powers available to it should they fail to honour the rescheduled hearing on Thursday, August 6.”
Dankwabo directed the committee’s secretariat to formally notify the affected agencies of the resolution and the consequences of any further non-compliance.
The chairman said the investigation was intended to resolve outstanding audit issues, strengthen public financial accountability and ensure strict compliance with statutory obligations in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Members of the committee condemned the agencies’ absence, describing it as an affront to the National Assembly and the Nigerian people.
Senator Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa North-West) said the conduct of the agencies undermined the institutional authority of the legislature.
“This committee is being taken for granted and, by extension, the Nigerian people are being taken for granted. The institutional integrity of the Senate cannot be treated with contempt.”
He argued that the committee derived its investigative powers directly from the Constitution and urged lawmakers to adopt stronger measures should the agencies fail to comply with the fresh summons.
His motion directing the agencies to appear on Thursday as a final opportunity was unanimously adopted by the committee.
However, Senator Patrick Ndubueze (Imo North) opposed giving the agencies another chance, insisting that their failure to either appear or communicate any excuse demonstrated outright disregard for parliamentary oversight.
“No letter was written. No excuse was offered. No representative was sent. To me, they don’t deserve to be given any second chance of appearance.”
The committee subsequently adjourned proceedings until Thursday, when the defaulting agencies are expected to explain issues arising from the NEITI audit reports.
The ongoing investigation forms part of the Senate’s wider scrutiny of the 2021-2023 NEITI Oil and Gas Industry Audit Reports, which contain findings on government revenues, remittances, operational activities and compliance by agencies and operators in Nigeria’s extractive industry.
Other institutions expected to appear before the committee during the three-week hearing include the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, as well as several indigenous and international oil companies.
The Senate said the exercise is aimed at strengthening transparency in the oil and gas sector, enforcing compliance with financial laws and recovering revenues due to the Federation.
