The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced on Wednesday that it successfully retrieved over N115 billion in mandatory levies owed to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by oil companies. This recovery covers the period from 2021 to 2023.
During a session with the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Francis Oka-Phillips Usani explained that the figure includes N76.883 billion and $81.076 million. The EFCC initiated investigations into 43 oil firms, identifying 24 that failed to meet their financial obligations. While 19 companies were cleared, the others faced scrutiny over unpaid dues.
Usani noted that some firms paid roughly N6.709 billion and $16.994 million directly to the NDDC under commission pressure. Of the total funds recovered, the EFCC has transferred N73.373 billion and $67.070 million to the agency, holding the remaining balance in a recovery account. The probe centered on the 3% statutory levy noted in the NEITI audit.
Furthermore, the committee, chaired by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, dismissed an attempt by TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited to respond to queries because their representation was insufficient. The committee mandated that the managing directors of TotalEnergies, South Atlantic Petroleum, Oando Oil, Famfa Oil, and Green Energy International appear in person next week. The investigation remains ongoing.
