NEITI Report: EFCC Recovers Over ₦115bn From Oil Companies Over NDDC Levies

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered more than ₦115 billion in outstanding statutory levies owed by oil companies to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) between 2021 and 2023.

The recovery followed an investigation into 43 oil companies identified in the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) 2021–2023 Oil and Gas Sector Audit.

The EFCC told the Senate Committee on Public Accounts that 24 companies operating in the Niger Delta had outstanding liabilities totalling ₦76.88 billion and $81.08 million.

The remaining 19 companies investigated were cleared after the commission found no outstanding liabilities.

Some of the affected companies subsequently paid their obligations directly to the NDDC following the EFCC investigation. Those payments amounted to ₦6.71 billion and $16.99 million.

The commission said it had so far transferred ₦73.37 billion and $67.07 million to the NDDC from the recovered funds. A further ₦3.51 billion and $14 million remained in the EFCC recovery account.

The investigation focused mainly on unpaid three per cent statutory levies identified in the NEITI audit. The EFCC said it was also monitoring other possible outstanding statutory payments and taxes owed to the Federal Government.

The development was presented to the Senate committee as lawmakers continued their review of findings contained in the NEITI audit report.

During the proceedings, the committee rejected an attempt by TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited to respond to its audit queries through a representative, insisting that the company’s Managing Director appear personally before the panel.

The committee also issued a final warning to the managing directors of South Atlantic Petroleum Limited, Oando Oil Limited, Famfa Oil and Green Energy International Limited, directing them to appear in person and respond to outstanding audit queries.

The Senate committee is expected to continue examining the audit findings and monitor compliance with statutory payment obligations.