Lawmaker representing Edo North Senatorial District, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has sharply criticised the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), describing the state-owned oil company as a “house of thieves” during a Senate investigation into allegations of financial irregularities running into trillions of naira.
Oshiomhole made the remarks during a session of the Senate Public Accounts Committee, which is probing alleged misappropriation of funds within the national oil company.
The former Edo State governor was reacting to comments made by the former Chief Financial Officer of NNPCL, Umar Aliya, who reportedly suggested that some influential individuals were seeking employment opportunities for their children within the company.
Aliya made the claim while responding to questions from lawmakers during the committee’s proceedings.
Visibly displeased by the remark, Oshiomhole questioned the reputation of the company and suggested that those seeking employment for their relatives may be motivated by perceptions of corruption within the organisation.
“I heard you saying that people want their children to be employed in NNPC. That is because it is a house of thieves and they want their children to benefit from it,” Oshiomhole said during the hearing.
The senator further criticised the company’s public image, alleging that it had become synonymous with financial misconduct.
“NNPC has no reputation; your reputation is for fraud. How can you sit down here and say people want their children employed in NNPC? So you think we are joking here?” he added.
The exchange occurred amid ongoing scrutiny of NNPCL’s financial records and operations by the Senate Public Accounts Committee, which is investigating allegations of financial mismanagement involving substantial public funds.
Oshiomhole’s comments have since sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing divergent views on his assessment of the company.
While some users commended the senator for what they described as his candour and willingness to confront alleged wrongdoing, others called for the allegations raised during the hearing to be thoroughly investigated and substantiated through due process.
As of the time of filing this report, NNPCL had not issued an official response to Oshiomhole’s remarks.
The Senate committee is expected to continue its investigation as part of broader efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.