Nigerians online have erupted in outrage following the Senate’s launch of an investigation into the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over a staggering ₦210 trillion uncovered during audits spanning from 2017 to 2023. The Senate described the figures as “mind-boggling” and has issued a one-week deadline for NNPCL to account for the discrepancies or face serious consequences.
The audit reports, which unearthed vast amounts in unexplained expenses and receivables, have triggered public fury, with citizens accusing the company and public officials of institutionalized corruption. Lawmakers have also raised alarm over missing contracts and conflicting financial reports from the national oil company.
The Senate’s announcement quickly ignited a firestorm on X (formerly Twitter), where netizens didn’t hold back in expressing their disbelief and anger. One user, @Ayo_donald69, described the situation as “daylight robbery in a suit and tie,” questioning how NNPCL could possibly explain away ₦210 trillion in just seven days. “Nigeria isn’t broke,” he said, “it’s just being looted in plain sight.”
Another user, @AjayiandrewKeh1, criticized the government’s inconsistency and lack of genuine political will to tackle corruption. Referring to the EFCC’s investigation of former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello and the recent presidential birthday greeting to him, he posted, “We know the problem, but because of greed, it won’t go away.”
Skepticism also mounted over the effectiveness of the probe. Several users said they expect the investigation to go the way of previous high-profile corruption scandals, with no tangible outcome. “Just another ‘off-the-microphone’ moment,” wrote @Emmanuelokede1, referencing past Senate probes that faded without justice. He added, “What happened to the ₦100 billion NDDC case under Akpabio? What about Okowa? This is Nigeria.”
The ₦210 trillion revelation has also sparked frustration over the mismanagement of national wealth, with many highlighting how such an amount could transform vital sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture. Some even questioned why the federal government continues to seek foreign loans despite allegedly allowing massive financial leakages to go unchecked.
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@Ewege_kolade remarked, “Imagine ₦210 trillion missing in NNPCL accounts and no positive action will follow. Only in Nigeria are petty thieves jailed while political looters are celebrated.”
For @Siralvari, the figures were staggering enough to warrant treason charges. He calculated that at an average exchange rate of ₦421, the missing funds translate to nearly $493 billion, a sum, he argued, that could bring Nigeria’s public service systems to global standards.
Similarly, @Nero365 lashed out at President Bola Tinubu’s administration for choosing to seek foreign loans while failing to recover stolen public funds. “₦210 trillion can pay off all our local and foreign debt, and still leave surplus. Instead, the government goes to China and the World Bank to beg.”
As the one-week deadline approaches, Nigerians at home and in the diaspora are watching closely, demanding accountability, transparency, and justice. But for many, this scandal is just one more chapter in the long-running story of Nigeria’s struggle with corruption in high places.
