The Senate has reiterated its commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, stressing that no government agency should evade legislative oversight.

The position was expressed during an investigative hearing on crude oil theft and other alleged infractions, following explanations by representatives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) that the company’s management was unavailable to appear before the committee due to official engagements abroad.

Reacting to the development, members of the Senate committee maintained that agencies of government should not rely on the executive arm to avoid legislative scrutiny, emphasising that oversight remains a constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly.

The committee noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently demonstrated commitment to reforms, transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector as part of efforts to improve governance and enhance the industry’s performance.

Lawmakers further stressed that all public institutions are expected to cooperate fully with the legislature in line with the law, noting that effective collaboration is essential to addressing challenges in the petroleum sector, curbing crude oil theft and supporting national economic growth.

The Senate reaffirmed its resolve to sustain oversight activities aimed at strengthening accountability and improving efficiency across Nigeria’s strategic institutions.