A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) on transparency and accountability has called on the Nigerian Senate to refocus its ongoing probe of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, urging lawmakers to prioritise broader reforms in the petroleum sector.

In a statement jointly signed by Comrades Danesi Momoh Prince and Igwe Ude-Umanta, conveners of Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative and Guidance of Democracy and Development Initiative respectively, the coalition expressed concern over the direction of the investigation into an alleged ₦210 trillion discrepancy linked to NNPCL.

The group noted that while legislative oversight remains essential, such efforts should be grounded in verifiable data and focused on strengthening governance within the oil and gas industry.

According to the CSOs, the Senate’s continued attention on the alleged figure risks diverting focus from pressing challenges in the sector, including transparency in oil revenue management, fuel subsidy concerns, regulatory inefficiencies, and the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

They emphasised the need for a measured, evidence-based approach to oversight, noting that ongoing reviews by relevant agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission provide additional avenues for accountability where necessary.

The coalition also urged the Senate to ensure that its investigative processes promote public confidence and do not create uncertainty within the sector, particularly given the strategic importance of petroleum to Nigeria’s economy.

While reaffirming support for transparency and accountability, the CSOs called on lawmakers to channel their efforts toward reforms that would enhance efficiency, strengthen institutional credibility, and support sustainable growth in the industry.

They further encouraged greater openness and improved operational clarity within NNPCL, stressing that reforms aimed at boosting public trust and performance would better serve national development priorities.