Oshiomhole Offers to Apologise Over NNPCL Remarks as Senate Distances Itself from Comments

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has expressed readiness to apologise to the Senate following controversy over his description of officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as “criminals and thieves” during a debate on accountability in Nigeria’s oil sector.

The Senate on Thursday formally dissociated itself from the remarks, stressing that Oshiomhole’s comments reflected his personal opinion and did not represent the official position of the National Assembly.

The controversy emerged amid heightened scrutiny of the nation’s petroleum industry and renewed concerns over transparency, financial management, and accountability within the sector.

The Senate's position came shortly after reports that the Senate Committee on Public Accounts considered issuing a warrant for the arrest of former NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, over his alleged failure to honour invitations relating to investigations into financial and audit-related issues.

During plenary, several lawmakers criticised the language used by Oshiomhole, arguing that legislators should maintain decorum and avoid making statements capable of damaging the reputation of public institutions.

However, the incident has reignited public debate about longstanding allegations of corruption, weak oversight, and financial irregularities in the oil industry. Critics argue that focusing solely on Oshiomhole’s choice of words risks diverting attention from broader concerns surrounding accountability in the management of public resources.

Defending his remarks, Oshiomhole said he reacted to allegations that lawmakers had sought personal favours and employment opportunities for relatives from NNPCL officials.

According to the former Edo State governor, his comments were made in response to what he considered unsubstantiated accusations against members of the Senate.

“I acted under provocation because distinguished members were being attacked without any evidence,” Oshiomhole reportedly stated, adding that he would apologise if that reflected the collective position of the Senate.

He maintained that his intention was to protect the integrity of the legislative institution and ensure that lawmakers were not unfairly portrayed while carrying out their oversight responsibilities.

The dispute comes against the backdrop of concerns raised by the Auditor-General regarding approximately ?210 trillion in questioned financial transactions linked to the national oil company. The figure has intensified public calls for greater transparency and accountability in a sector that remains central to Nigeria’s economy.

For many Nigerians, the controversy extends beyond the language used during the Senate debate. Public attention remains focused on whether investigations into alleged financial irregularities will lead to meaningful outcomes and greater accountability for the management of public funds.

The development highlights ongoing challenges facing governance and oversight institutions, as citizens continue to demand transparent audits, credible investigations, and accountability for individuals entrusted with managing the nation’s resources, regardless of their position or influence.