By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over a total of ₦3.94 billion in recovered funds to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, as part of efforts to strengthen accountability in the oil sector.
The funds were formally presented on Thursday at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, by the Secretary to the Commission, Mohammed Hammajoda, on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
Speaking at the brief ceremony, Hammajoda said the recovery followed painstaking investigations into fraudulent activities involving some actors within the NNPC system.
“On behalf of the Executive Chairman, we will continue to put ourselves on the line to serve over 220 million Nigerians,” he said.
“Many of our colleagues have paid the price in the course of duty, and others may still do so as we carry on with courage and integrity. We remain committed to serving this country,” he added.
He added that the recovered sum which stood at ₦3,936,145,822, was being returned to the national oil company as part of the Commission’s mandate to recover and restitute stolen public funds.
Receiving the funds on behalf of NNPC, the Executive Vice President, Downstream, Mumuni Dagazau, commended the EFCC for its role in the recovery, describing the development as a reflection of growing institutional collaboration.
“NNPC has had its share of challenges over the years, but we have consistently worked to correct systemic issues,” Dagazau said.
“When the opportunity for this recovery came, we were proud to involve the EFCC. This is a great day for us, and we will continue to rely on your support going forward,” he added.
The anti-graft agency reiterated its resolve to sustain efforts at combating economic and financial crimes, stressing that asset recovery remains a key pillar in promoting transparency and public trust in governance.
