EFCC, NEITI set up taskforce on 2013 petroleum audit findings

Worried by lack of sanctions on firms indicted by its audit findings, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has approached the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for help.

 

A statement by NEITI Director, Communication, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji said a joint taskforce has been setup by both organization on the recently released audit reports of the NEITI.

Membership of the taskforce is drawn from NEITI and the EFCC and it will study the reports and identify areas where financial crimes have been committed against the nation, Dr. Orji said.

 

The Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu who received copies of the reports from the NEITI Executive Secretary, Waziri Adio explained that it is no longer acceptable for NEITI to publish reports and agencies, companies and individuals that have clearly committed financial crimes as disclosed by the reports are left to go without sanctions.

 

“I have heard people say that NEITI has no teeth to bite, but today I assure you that by our renewed joint collaboration, the EFCC will provide NEITI with the required teeth to bite”.

 

The EFCC Chairman advised members of the taskforce to carry out the assignments with utmost diligence by developing an action plan and make recommendations for immediate action by the commission.

 

Presenting the report, the NEITI Executive Secretary, Waziri Adio lamented that while NEITI has been churning out series of reports since 2004, it is regrettable that no one has either been tried or convicted for infractions on the NEITI Act. He called on the EFCC to step in and help NEITI enforce required sanctions.