The Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has strongly criticized the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), declaring that the state-owned oil firm is not above the regulatory authority of the representatives of the people.
Speaking during a National Assembly committee hearing, Oshiomhole expressed deep frustration over what he described as a persistent pattern of NNPCL officials failing to honor parliamentary invitations. He berated the company’s top management, accusing them of hiding behind medical excuses and behaving as if the institution is superior to the government that established it.
To drive home his point on accountability, the former Edo State Governor and ex-Labor leader drew a direct parallel with President Bola Tinubu. He reminded the state oil firm that even the nation’s leader does not delegate the presentation of the federal budget to subordinates or financial experts, despite the complexity of the document.
“Even the President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, does not delegate his finance officer to present the annual budget—which is prepared by financial gurus—because we have three independent arms of government,” Oshiomhole remarked. “So, if President Tinubu will leave the Villa to address the Senate President and Chairman of the legislative arm, senators, and the House of Representatives, I have serious issues with why NNPC thinks it is too big.”
Taking a swipe at the recurring excuses offered by the state-owned oil firm’s executives, Oshiomhole added: “They are bedridden, they have medical certificates—may they not be bedridden for too long so that the country can move on.”
The lawmaker warned the NNPCL leadership to immediately reevaluate its stance, reminding them that they are an agency of government answerable to the National Assembly, which represents the interests of ordinary Nigerians.
“I think the NNPCL is forgetting that it is an agency of government, while we are representatives of the people,” the Senator stated. “You cannot behave as if you’re above the representatives of the people. I refuse to believe that the NNPCL is bigger than the system.”
Ayodele Quadri
Correspondent
