Senate Slams NNPCL, FIRS, Police, and Other Agencies Over Damning Audit Report
Senate Slams NNPCL, FIRS, Police, and Other Agencies Over Damning Audit Report
The Nigerian Senate has expressed profound displeasure over the recent audit report revealing widespread financial discrepancies and irregularities within several key government agencies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the Nigerian Police Force, among others. The Senate’s reaction came after the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation (OAuGF) submitted the comprehensive audit report to the National Assembly.
The audit report highlighted alarming issues of unremitted funds, non-compliance with statutory regulations, and questionable expenditures across multiple agencies. The report specifically pointed out:
Unremitted Revenue: The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) was cited for failing to remit over ₦100 billion in revenue to the Federation Account, a violation of the constitution and the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
Tax Evasion and Irregularities: The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) was found to have discrepancies amounting to ₦50 billion in tax collections and unaccounted funds. The report detailed instances where tax revenues were either under-reported or mismanaged, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the agency’s operations.
Questionable Expenditures by the Police Force: The Nigerian Police Force was accused of irregular expenditure amounting to ₦20 billion, with the audit revealing payments made without proper documentation or authorization, thereby contravening established financial regulations.
Other Agencies Involved: The audit also uncovered financial irregularities in other government bodies, including the Nigerian Customs Service and the Ministry of Works, where funds allocated for specific projects were either misappropriated or remained unaccounted for.
Reacting to the audit report, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, condemned the rampant mismanagement of public funds by these agencies. He expressed disappointment over the apparent lack of accountability and transparency within these institutions.
“This report is a wake-up call to all of us in leadership. It is utterly unacceptable that public funds meant for the development of this country are being mismanaged in such a manner. The agencies involved must be held accountable for these discrepancies, and the necessary measures must be taken to rectify these issues immediately,” Senator Akpabio stated.
He further directed the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Senator Ali Ndume, to launch a thorough investigation into the findings of the audit report and to ensure that those responsible for the financial misconduct are brought to justice.
In response to the Senate’s criticisms, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) issued a statement denying any wrongdoing. The Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, insisted that the company had followed all due processes in its financial dealings and that the alleged unremitted funds were under review for reconciliation.
Similarly, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Muhammad Nami, defended its operations, attributing the discrepancies to technical issues in their reporting systems. Nami assured that the agency was working closely with the Auditor-General’s office to resolve any outstanding issues.
The Nigerian Police Force, through its spokesperson, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Taiwo Lakanu, also dismissed the allegations of irregular expenditures, asserting that all payments were made in line with the approved budgetary allocations. However, he welcomed the Senate’s directive for further investigations, promising full cooperation.
The audit report has reignited calls for reforms in the management of public funds and the need for greater oversight of government agencies. Senator Ndume emphasized the importance of strengthening the financial accountability framework within the public sector.
“We need to establish a system where every naira spent is accounted for. The era of financial recklessness must come to an end. This investigation will not only uncover the truth behind these discrepancies but also set a precedent for how public funds should be managed in the future,” Ndume declared.
The Senate has given the affected agencies a two-week deadline to submit detailed explanations regarding the audit findings and to provide evidence of corrective measures taken. The Senate Committee on Public Accounts is expected to present its findings within the next 60 days.
The outcome of these investigations could lead to significant changes in the leadership of these agencies, and possibly, legal actions against those found culpable of financial misconduct.
