The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered more than N115 billion in outstanding statutory levies owed to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by oil companies.

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

The EFCC said 24 companies operating in the Niger Delta were found to have outstanding liabilities of N76.88 billion and $81.08 million, while 19 others were cleared after the investigation.

According to the commission, some of the defaulting companies paid N6.71 billion and $16.99 million directly to the NDDC following the investigation.

The EFCC has so far remitted N73.37 billion and $67.07 million to the NDDC, with N3.51 billion and $14.01 million remaining in its recovery account.

The commission said its investigation focused mainly on unpaid portions of the three per cent statutory levy due to the NDDC, while efforts would continue to identify other unpaid statutory obligations and taxes.

The disclosure was made before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo.

Meanwhile, the committee rejected an attempt by TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited to respond to audit queries, citing inadequate representation.

The committee subsequently directed the company’s Managing Director to appear personally at a hearing next week.

Managing Directors of South Atlantic Petroleum Limited, Oando Oil Limited, Famfa Oil and Green Energy International Limited were also given final warnings to appear before the committee and address outstanding audit queries.