The Senate Public Accounts Committee has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Seplat Energy, Network E&P Nigeria Limited and two other oil companies to appear before it and respond to queries contained in the 2021, 2022 and 2023 audit reports of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.
The committee, chaired by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, warned that failure to honour the invitation could prompt the National Assembly to invoke its constitutional powers against the companies.
The decision followed concerns over the companies’ failure to appear before the committee to address issues raised in the NEITI reports.
Senator Abdul Ningi called for sanctions, describing a letter from Network E&P Nigeria Limited to the committee as “disturbing and provocative.” The company had reportedly argued that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission was the regulatory authority to which it was accountable.
Ningi, however, maintained that Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution empower the National Assembly to summon individuals, organisations and government agencies to provide explanations on matters under investigation.
The committee subsequently directed the Managing Director of Network E&P Nigeria Limited to appear on Thursday, warning that failure to comply would attract legislative action.
Similar directives were issued to the management of All Grace Energy Limited, Aradel Energy Limited and Seplat Energy following their absence from the proceedings.
