NNPC clashes with Senate over invitation

The Senate clashed with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited over not honouring the invitation by its relevant committees.

The NNPC said the Senate has no legal backing to summon it for any form of appearance since the agency was now a limited liability company by provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act.

The agency stated this to the Senate Committee on Finance through the Clerk to the National Assembly, Amos Olatunde.

Reacting to the NNPC‘s claim, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Olamilekan Adeola ( APC Lagos West), said that agency is 100 per cent owned by the Federal government, and it can be invited at any time to appear before the lawmakers for any explanation.

Adeola stated this when the General Manager, Public Affairs, NNPC, Garbadeen Muhammad, appeared before the Committee at the Interactive session on 2023-2025 MTEF/FSP projections.

He said, “Your Liason Officer told the clerk of National Assembly that you are now limited liability company that you cannot be appearing before Senate.

“We will summon you and invite you at any hour we need your attention. You are limited liability company by our law. We change your status because we want you to be active participant in oil industry.

“Call your Liason Officer and correct impression by him. It is owned by Federal government and you remain accountable to Federal government. There are potent issue you need to address.”