EFCC Recovers N115bn Statutory Levies from Oil Firms — NEITI Audit

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the recovery of more than N115 billion in statutory levies owed to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by defaulting oil companies between 2021 and 2023.

Presenting the figures to the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, EFCC representative Francis Oka-Phillips Usani revealed that 43 oil companies were investigated, with 24 found liable for outstanding payments amounting to N76.88 billion and $81.07 million.

The remaining 19 firms were cleared of any debt.Usani explained that under EFCC pressure, several companies made direct payments to NDDC totaling N6.7 billion and $16.99 million. Of the total recovered, N73.37 billion and $67.07 million have already been released to the commission, while N3.51 billion and $14 million remain in EFCC’s recovery account.

The probe, triggered by the NEITI 2021–2023 Oil and Gas Sector Audit, focused on the 3% statutory levy due to NDDC but also flagged other unpaid obligations to the Federal Government.

Following EFCC’s presentation, the committee led by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo rejected attempts by TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited to defend audit queries through under-representation, insisting that the company’s Managing Director must appear in person.

Similar directives were issued to the heads of South Atlantic Petroleum Limited, Oando Oil Limited, Famfa Oil, and Green Energy International Limited, who were given a “last chance” to appear physically.

The investigative session is scheduled to continue on Thursday.

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