Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has appeared before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts to answer questions over alleged financial discrepancies running into more than ₦210 trillion in the company's accounts.

Kyari arrived at Hearing Room 4 of the National Assembly on Tuesday, accompanied by a delegation of oil company officials, months after lawmakers threatened to invoke their constitutional powers to compel his appearance.

His appearance is connected to an ongoing Senate investigation into outstanding audit queries and alleged financial irregularities in the NNPCL's accounts covering the period between 2017 and 2023.

The queries, forwarded to the committee by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, have raised concerns among lawmakers, who are demanding explanations from the former NNPCL chief and other officials responsible for the company's financial management during the period under review.

The committee, chaired by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, representing Gombe North, had earlier threatened to use its constitutional powers to secure Kyari's appearance following his alleged failure to honour several invitations.

The decision followed a motion moved by Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, amid growing concerns among members over what they described as efforts to frustrate the investigation.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole had also called for stronger action against the former NNPCL boss, urging the committee to issue an arrest warrant to ensure his personal appearance.

The former Edo State governor insisted that Kyari should personally account for his stewardship rather than send representatives to respond to questions concerning the company's financial records.

However, the Senate subsequently clarified that no committee has the independent authority to issue, authorise or execute an arrest warrant without complying with the provisions of the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and obtaining the express approval of the Senate President.

The Senate also distanced itself from Oshiomhole's description of the NNPCL as “a bunch of criminals and thieves,” maintaining that the remarks did not represent the official position of the Red Chamber.

Kyari's appearance marks a significant development in the Senate's investigation, as lawmakers continue efforts to establish accountability over the alleged financial discrepancies in the NNPCL's records.