By Ayo Kehinde
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, demanding the publication of the names and designations of officials implicated in the alleged ₦200 trillion missing or unaccounted for from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare urged Akpabio to direct the Senate’s Public Accounts Committee to ensure full disclosure of all individuals linked to the alleged discrepancies, regardless of their social or political status.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days… If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the Senate to comply”, SERAP warned.
“Full disclosure of the ongoing investigation is essential to ensure transparency and accountability, prevent political interference, and allow Nigerians to scrutinise the facts and investigation independently”, it stated.
The group also called on the Senate to publish comprehensive details of the ongoing probe, including audit reports, financial records, and official communications relied upon by the committee, as well as clear timelines for the appearance of implicated officials and the conclusion of the investigation.
The Senate Public Accounts Committee is currently probing allegations that about ₦200 trillion is missing from NNPCL accounts between 2017 and 2023. The panel has raised concerns over unreconciled figures and inadequate supporting documentation, while several officials have reportedly failed to honour invitations or provide satisfactory explanations.
“The allegations that ₦200 trillion is missing or unaccounted for, whether fully accurate or partly overstated, can only be taken seriously by Nigerians if the Senate is fully transparent in its ongoing investigation regarding the credibility, plausibility, and accuracy of the claims.
“Transparency regarding the ongoing investigation would prevent any perception of a cover-up or political compromise, and ensure that the facts are clearly established”, SERAP added.
The organisation emphasised the need for openness in the investigative process, noting, “Providing complete and verifiable information would allow the public and oversight institutions to assess the situation objectively and determine where the truth lies regarding the allegations.”
SERAP warned that delays could undermine accountability, saying, “Allowing these allegations to be ignored, delayed, or politicised risks normalising impunity and diminishes the public’s right to know how national wealth is being managed.”
The group also highlighted concerns about the pace of the probe, stating, “The ongoing probe by the Public Accounts Committee into the alleged missing ₦200 trillion from the NNPCL has been dragging for an extended period, with repeated delays in the appearance of officials and slow progress in reconciling the disputed figures.”
It added, “Such delays undermine public confidence in the investigative process and create the risk of key evidence being lost or distorted.”
SERAP urged the committee to conclude its investigation promptly and publish its findings, stressing that accountability is critical to restoring public trust and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic future.
