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EFCC probe forces 24 oil firms to pay N115bn, $84m NDDC levies
NG🏛️ PoliticsCenter11 days ago

EFCC probe forces 24 oil firms to pay N115bn, $84m NDDC levies

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that 24 oil companies in Nigeria's Niger Delta region owe a combined N115 billion ($84 million) in unpaid statutory levies to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). This discovery came during a Senate hearing where the EFCC presented findings from an investigation triggered by the 2021–2023 Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) audit. Out of 43 oil companies examined, 24 were found liable, while 19 were cleared. Some companies settled their debts directly with the NDDC, with the EFCC releasing N73.37 billion ($67.07 million) to the NDDC and retaining the remainder in its recovery account. The EFCC emphasized that its focus was specifically on the unpaid three percent statutory levy, though it acknowledged potential other unpaid obligations. The issue highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring compliance with financial responsibilities in Nigeria's oil sector.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered more than N115 billion and $84 million in outstanding statutory levies owed to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by oil companies, according to disclosures made before the Senate Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday. The revelation came during the committee's ongoing review of findings from the 2021–2023 Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Oil and Gas Industry Audit Report. Representing the EFCC, Francis Usani stated that the agency investigated 43 oil companies, identifying 24 operating in the oil-rich Niger Delta with unpaid liabilities related to the three percent statutory levy required by law for the NDDC. Usani revealed that the initial assessment showed these 24 companies owed N76.88 billion and $81.08 million. However, after a thorough investigation, 19 of the 43 companies were cleared of any outstanding obligations. He noted that the EFCC had invited all 43 companies to participate in the inquiry, with the 24 found liable being subjected to detailed scrutiny. Some of the affected companies chose to settle their debts directly with the NDDC, contributing N6.71 billion and $16.99 million to the commission. Of the total amount recovered, N73.37 billion and $67.07 million were transferred to the NDDC, while the remaining N3.51 billion and $14.01 million remain in the EFCC’s recovery account. The EFCC’s actions were specifically targeted at addressing the unpaid three percent statutory levy, a key component of the funding framework for the NDDC. This levy is designed to support development initiatives in the Niger Delta, a region historically impacted by oil-related environmental degradation and socio-economic challenges. Usani emphasized that while the focus of the current investigation was on the three percent levy, the commission was aware of the potential existence of other unpaid statutory obligations and taxes owed to the federal government. This suggests that the broader implications of the audit extend beyond just the NDDC’s financial responsibilities. The Senate committee, led by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, continues its examination of compliance among oil companies with their financial obligations under Nigerian law. The committee has taken steps to ensure accountability by requiring senior executives of major oil firms to personally address the findings of the NEITI audit. Notably, the committee rejected an attempt by TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited to have a representative attend on its behalf, insisting that the company’s managing director must appear in person. This move underscores the seriousness with which the Senate is treating the issue of revenue leakage and non-compliance in the extractive industries. In addition to TotalEnergies, the committee has mandated the presence of managing directors from several other oil companies, including South Atlantic Petroleum Limited, Oando Oil Limited, Famfa Oil, and Green Energy International Limited. These executives are expected to provide direct responses to the committee’s inquiries regarding their companies' adherence to statutory payment requirements. The directive reflects a growing emphasis on transparency and corporate accountability in the oil sector, particularly in light of long-standing concerns about mismanagement and financial discrepancies. The EFCC’s recovery effort marks a significant step toward rectifying historical underpayment of statutory levies, which have often contributed to underfunding critical developmental projects in the Niger Delta. With the NDDC tasked with overseeing regional development, ensuring timely receipt of these funds is essential for implementing infrastructure, healthcare, education, and environmental restoration programs. The current situation highlights both progress and persistent gaps in enforcement, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and institutional capacity building to prevent future lapses.

3 reports

The Punch logoThe PunchIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8011 days ago
EFCC recovers N115bn, $84m NDDC levy from oil firms

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced that it has recovered over N115 billion (approximately $84 million) in unpaid statutory levies owed to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by oil companies. This revelation came during a presentation to the Senate Public Accounts Committee, which is investigating findings from the 2021–2023 Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) audit. EFCC representative Francis Usani revealed that out of 43 oil companies investigated, 24 operating in the Niger Delta were found to owe the levies, while 19 were cleared. Some companies settled their debts directly with the NDDC, and EFCC transferred most of the recovered funds to the NDDC, retaining a portion in its recovery account. The disclosure highlights ongoing efforts to address financial shortfalls and unresolved liabilities in Nigeria's oil and gas sector.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding the EFCC's actions and the financial implications of unpaid levies to the NDDC. It does not take a clear ideological stance, nor does it emphasize particular political groups or agendas. The focus remains on the legal and financial aspects of the EF

Why factuality (85): The article mirrors the content of the first The Punch piece, confirming the amounts recovered, the number of companies investigated, and the distribution of funds. It supports the cross-source consensus with consistent details.

Why objectivity (80): The writing style is neutral, avoiding subjective commentary. The focus is on the factual disclosures made by EFCC representatives, with no indication of editorializing or ideological leaning.

The Punch logoThe PunchIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8011 days ago
EFCC probe forces 24 oil firms to pay N115bn, $84m NDDC levies

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that 24 oil companies in Nigeria's Niger Delta region owe a combined N115 billion ($84 million) in unpaid statutory levies to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). This discovery came during a Senate hearing where the EFCC presented findings from an investigation triggered by the 2021–2023 Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) audit. Out of 43 oil companies examined, 24 were found liable, while 19 were cleared. Some companies settled their debts directly with the NDDC, with the EFCC releasing N73.37 billion ($67.07 million) to the NDDC and retaining the remainder in its recovery account. The EFCC emphasized that its focus was specifically on the unpaid three percent statutory levy, though it acknowledged potential other unpaid obligations. The issue highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring compliance with financial responsibilities in Nigeria's oil sector.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the EFCC's actions and findings related to financial obligations of oil companies. It does not take a clear ideological stance, nor does it emphasize particular political groups or agendas. The framing remains neutral, focusing on legal and financial披露,

Why factuality (85): The article reports on an EFCC disclosure to the Senate Public Accounts Committee regarding the recovery of N115bn and $84m from 24 oil firms. It aligns with the cross-source consensus as both Vanguard and The Punch mention similar figures and processes. However, the exact numbers differ slightly be

Why objectivity (80): The tone remains neutral, focusing on the facts presented by EFCC representatives. There is no overt bias or emotional language, though the emphasis on the significance of the recovery may subtly highlight the importance of the action.

Vanguard Nigeria logoVanguard NigeriaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8011 days ago
NEITI report: EFCC recovers N115bn for NDDC, clears 19 oil firms

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reported recovering over N115 billion in unpaid statutory levies owed to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by oil companies between 2021 and 2023. This revelation came during a Senate Committee on Public Accounts meeting examining the 2021–2023 Oil and Gas Sector Audit Report of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI). EFCC investigator Francis Oka-Phillips Usani stated that 24 out of 43 investigated oil companies operating in the Niger Delta had outstanding liabilities, while the remaining 19 were cleared. Some companies settled their debts directly with the NDDC, contributing to the total recovery. The EFCC noted that a significant portion of the funds had been transferred to the commission, with some still pending. The Senate Committee also ordered several oil company executives to appear in person to address allegations from the audit report.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information regarding financial recoveries by the EFCC and the subsequent actions taken by the Senate Committee. It does not overtly favor any political faction or ideology. While the issue involves government accountability and corporate compliance, the reporting is non

Why factuality (85): This article corroborates the main points from The Punch, including the amount recovered, the number of companies involved, and the process followed by EFCC. It matches the cross-source consensus with minor variations likely due to formatting or rounding differences.

Why objectivity (80): The reporting is objective, presenting the information as received from EFCC without apparent bias. The focus is on the procedural aspects of the audit and the outcomes, maintaining a balanced perspective.

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