The CEO of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari, and the CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (MMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, were notably absent from a probe into alleged irregularities and corruption within the NNPC. The House of Representatives ad-hoc committee, led by Abubakar Nalaraba, is also investigating the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing by the NNPC.
In lieu of their presence, representatives were sent by both the NNPC and NMDPRA. Yemi Adetunji, the Executive Vice President (Downstream) of NNPC, represented the former, while Soji Soloye represented the latter. Upon inquiry if the representatives could adequately stand in for their principals, they indicated that they couldn’t.
Nalaraba expressed his disappointment, underscoring the committee’s delay in fulfilling its duties. He noted that despite an extension to the House recess, the investigation needed to progress. The hearing later transitioned into a closed-door session for the panel to determine an appropriate time for the chief executives to attend.
