Senator Adams Oshiomhole has criticised the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for failing to appear before a Senate committee, accusing the company of acting as though it is bigger than Nigeria’s democratic system. He insisted that the NNPCL remains an agency of government and must be accountable to the National Assembly.

Speaking during a committee hearing, Oshiomhole said President Bola Tinubu personally presents important matters before the legislature instead of sending representatives. He argued that the NNPCL should not consider itself above elected lawmakers, who represent the Nigerian people.

The former Edo State governor warned that no government agency should behave as if it is beyond legislative oversight. According to him, the NNPCL must respect the authority of the National Assembly, stressing that it is “not bigger than the system.“