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NNPCL Under Fire Over £14 Million Spent on London Office

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Vy: Fabian Apechihin

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) is facing heightened scrutiny following revelations from the Auditor-General’s 2022 audit report, which flagged the company’s failure to properly account for £14.3 million spent on its London office during the 2021 financial year.

The interim audit report highlighted serious regulatory breaches and a disregard for due process and accountability standards. According to the findings, a total of £14,322,426.59 was expended on personnel costs, fixed contracts, and other operational expenses at the London office.

However, audit officials reported that they were not provided with supporting documents or expenditure schedules, unable to verify how the funds were utilised, and could not confirm whether the spending complied with due process or principles of economy.

The report stated that the transaction violated several provisions of the Financial Regulations (FR) 2009, including:

  • Paragraph 112, which mandates accounting officers to ensure effective control and proper accounting of public funds;
  • Paragraph 415, which requires strict adherence to economy in government spending;
  • Paragraph 603(1), which insists that all payment vouchers must be supported by comprehensive documentation.

The Auditor-General warned that undocumented transactions pose a high risk of diversion and misappropriation of public funds, attributing the lapses to weaknesses in NNPCL’s internal control system.


NNPCL’s Response

In its defence, NNPCL management stated that the London office operates as a service unit with an approved annual budget of £14.3 million, which it claimed was executed in line with operational requirements.

The company argued that the audit failed to provide specific transaction details needed for clarification, saying this made it difficult to present targeted evidence. It also maintained that detailed records of personnel costs, fixed contracts, and other expenditures exist and can be made available upon request.

NNPCL further pledged its commitment to strengthening internal control systems across all units, including the London office, to ensure transparency and compliance with financial regulations.


Auditor-General Rejects Defence

The Auditor-General, however, described NNPCL’s response as unsatisfactory, stressing that the audit findings remain valid until all recommendations are implemented.

According to Premium Times, the report directed the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) to:

  • Recover and remit the full £14.3 million to the national treasury;
  • Face sanctions under Paragraphs 3106 and 3115 of the Financial Regulations (2009) if the funds are not recovered.

Further Allegations

NNPCL is also facing investigations over other financial irregularities cited in the same audit report, including:

  • Over $51 million in questionable settlement payments;
  • About ₦684 million linked to abandoned projects and irregular procurements;
  • A Senate probe into an alleged ₦210 trillion unaccounted for between 2017 and 2023.

These developments have intensified calls for greater transparency and stricter financial oversight within the national oil company.

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National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman

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Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.

The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.

Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.

Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.

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JUST IN: After Primary Election Victory, Shehu Sani Visits Parents’ Graves to Offer Prayers and Express Gratitude to God

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Following his victory in the party primary election, Senator Shehu Sani visited the graves of his parents to pray and give thanks to Almighty God.

The former senator described the visit as very important to him, noting that his parents played a significant role in his upbringing and in shaping his political life.

Shehu Sani prayed for Allah to forgive his parents and all deceased Muslims, while also reaffirming his commitment to continue serving the people with honesty and integrity after securing victory in the primaries.

The gesture has attracted attention from his supporters and social media users, many of whom praised his act of remembering his parents after a political success.

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National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman

Published

on

Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.

The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.

Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.

Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.

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