Senator Adams Oshiomhole has alleged that the daughter of Senate President Godswill Akpabio secured a position within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) through a process that did not follow standard recruitment procedures.

The Edo North lawmaker made the claim during an interview on a public affairs podcast, where he discussed ongoing concerns surrounding the management and employment practices within the national oil company.

According to Oshiomhole, information available to him suggested that the appointment was facilitated by former NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, rather than through the conventional recruitment process expected in public institutions.

The senator’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of the operations and governance structure of the state-owned energy company, particularly following legislative investigations into its finances and management practices.

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Speaking on the issue, Oshiomhole alleged that preferential treatment and influence had become common in certain appointments within the oil company.

He claimed that over the years, some senior officials and influential figures had secured employment opportunities for family members and associates within various departments of the corporation.

According to him, allegations of favoritism and nepotism have contributed to concerns about transparency and accountability in recruitment processes.

The former Edo State governor argued that the issue was not necessarily the employment of relatives of public officials, but whether such appointments were based on merit and carried out through established procedures.

He maintained that qualified individuals should not be denied opportunities simply because they are related to prominent public figures. However, he stressed that all appointments must comply with due process and competitive recruitment standards.

Oshiomhole stated that concerns arise only when positions are allegedly awarded without proper evaluation, interviews or adherence to official guidelines.

The senator further suggested that a detailed review of employment records within the organization could reveal patterns that warrant closer examination.

Beyond the recruitment allegations, Oshiomhole also addressed the controversy surrounding legislative actions involving former NNPCL executives.

He defended the Senate’s authority to investigate issues relating to public institutions and their management of national resources, insisting that such oversight responsibilities are backed by constitutional provisions.

According to him, parliamentary committees have a duty to ensure accountability and transparency in agencies that manage public funds and strategic national assets.

The comments add another layer to the ongoing public debate surrounding governance, transparency and accountability within the country’s petroleum sector.

As of the time of the remarks, no official response had been issued regarding the specific allegations concerning the recruitment process mentioned by the senator.

Observers note that the claims could attract further public interest, particularly as legislative inquiries into the operations of the NNPCL continue.

The development also highlights broader concerns about public sector recruitment practices and the need for institutions to maintain transparent procedures that promote merit, fairness and public confidence.

With investigations and political debates ongoing, attention is likely to remain focused on issues of accountability, governance and the management of key national institutions in the coming weeks.